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Sukanen M, Khair RM, Reito A, Ponkilainen V, Paloneva J, Cronin N, Hautala AJ, Finni T. Early Predictors of Recovery From Nonoperatively Treated Achilles Tendon Rupture: 1 Year Follow-Up Study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14700. [PMID: 39010659 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate early structural and mechanical predictors of plantarflexor muscle strength and the magnitude of Achilles tendon (AT) nonuniform displacement at 6 and 12 months after AT rupture. METHODS Thirty-five participants (28 males and 7 females; mean ± SD age 41.7 ± 11.1 years) were assessed for isometric plantarflexion maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and AT nonuniformity at 6 and 12 months after rupture. Structural and mechanical AT and plantarflexor muscle properties were measured at 2 months. Limb asymmetry index (LSI) was calculated for all variables. Multiple linear regression was used with the 6 and 12 month MVC LSI and 12 month AT nonuniformity LSI as dependent variables and AT and plantarflexor muscle properties at 2 months as independent variables. The level of pre- and post-injury sports participation was inquired using Tegner score at 2 and 12 months (scale 0-10, 10 = best possible score). Subjective perception of recovery was assessed with Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) at 12 months (scale 0-100, 100=best possible score). RESULTS Achilles tendon resting angle (ATRA) symmetry at 2 months predicted MVC symmetry at 6 and 12 months after rupture (β = 2.530, 95% CI 1.041-4.018, adjusted R2 = 0.416, p = 0.002; β = 1.659, 95% CI 0.330-2.988, adjusted R2 = 0.418, p = 0.016, respectively). At 12 months, participants had recovered their pre-injury level of sports participation (Tegner 6 ± 2 points). The median (IQR) ATRS score was 92 (7) points at 12 months. CONCLUSION Greater asymmetry of ATRA in the early recovery phase may be a predictor of plantarflexor muscle strength deficits up to 1 year after rupture. TRIAL REGISTRATION This research is a part of "nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture in Central Finland: a prospective cohort study" that has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03704532).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sukanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Ra'ad M Khair
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Aleksi Reito
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ville Ponkilainen
- Center for Musculoskeletal Diseases, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juha Paloneva
- Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, Finland
- University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Neil Cronin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- School of Education and Science, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, UK
| | - Arto J Hautala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Hoeffner R, Agergaard AS, Svensson RB, Cullum C, Mikkelsen RK, Konradsen L, Krogsgaard M, Boesen M, Kjaer M, Magnusson SP. Tendon Elongation and Function After Delayed or Standard Loading of Surgically Repaired Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Sports Med 2024; 52:1022-1031. [PMID: 38353060 DOI: 10.1177/03635465241227178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achilles tendon ruptures often result in long-term functional deficits despite accelerated (standard) rehabilitation. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS The purpose of this study was to investigate if delayed loading would influence functional, clinical, and structural outcomes of the muscles and tendon 1 year after a surgical repair. It was hypothesized that delaying the loading would reduce the heel-rise height deficit 1 year after Achilles tendon rupture. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS In total, 48 patients with a surgically repaired Achilles tendon rupture were randomized to 2 groups: the standard group received the currently accepted rehabilitation, and the delayed group received the same rehabilitation except that initial loading was delayed by 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the heel-rise height difference between the injured and uninjured sides at 1 year. The secondary outcomes were (1) tendon length measured with magnetic resonance imaging, (2) muscle fascicle length and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle, (3) Doppler activity measured with ultrasonography, (4) Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and (5) isometric muscle strength. RESULTS The mean heel-rise height deficits for the standard and delayed groups were -2.2 cm and -2.1 cm, respectively (P = .719). The soleus part of the tendon was already elongated 1 week after surgery in both groups without a between-group difference (side-to-side difference: standard, 16.3 mm; delayed, 17.5 mm; P = .997) and did not change over 52 weeks. The gastrocnemius tendon length was unchanged at 1 week but elongated over time without a between-group difference (side-to-side difference at 52 weeks: standard, 10.5 mm; delayed, 13.0 mm; P = .899). The delayed group had less Doppler activity at 12 weeks (P = .006) and a better ATRS (standard, 60 points; delayed, 72 points; P = .032) at 52 weeks. CONCLUSION Delayed loading was not superior to standard loading in reducing the heel-rise height difference at 1 year. The data indirectly suggested reduced inflammation in the initial months and a better patient-reported outcome at 1 year in the delayed group. The soleus part of the tendon was already markedly elongated (35%) 1 week after surgery, while the length of the gastrocnemius tendon was unchanged at 1 week but was 6% elongated at 1 year. Together, these data indirectly suggest that the delayed group fared better, although this finding needs to be confirmed in future investigations. REGISTRATION NCT04263493 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Hoeffner
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Agergaard
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rene B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla Cullum
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Kramer Mikkelsen
- Section for Sports Traumatology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Konradsen
- Section for Sports Traumatology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Krogsgaard
- Section for Sports Traumatology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikael Boesen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mashimo S, Nozaki T, Amaha K, Tanaka K, Kubota J, Sato H, Kitamura N. Quantitative Assessment of Calf Muscle Volume, Strength, and Quality After Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: A 1-Year Prospective Follow-up Study. Am J Sports Med 2023; 51:3781-3789. [PMID: 37960840 DOI: 10.1177/03635465231206391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies have reported that calf muscle atrophy is a common long-term problem after Achilles tendon repair; however, there is still a lack of data concerning early postoperative morphological changes in the calf muscle after surgery. PURPOSE To investigate changes over time in calf muscle volume and fatty degeneration during 1 year after Achilles tendon repair. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS A prospective 1-year serial magnetic resonance imaging study was carried out with 20 patients who underwent tendon repair for unilateral acute Achilles tendon rupture. The magnetic resonance imaging assessment in addition to clinical and functional evaluations was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The muscle volume of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and fatty degeneration of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus were measured for the calf muscles, and the relative volume and fatty degeneration changes in the affected leg compared with the healthy contralateral leg were calculated as a percentage ([injured/healthy control] × 100) to assess structural changes over time. RESULTS Muscle volumes of the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, soleus, and FHL were 92.3%, 92.8%, 84.6%, and 95.9% at 12 months after surgery, respectively. Medial and lateral gastrocnemius and FHL muscle volumes improved over time and recovered to almost equal to that of the healthy side at 12 months after surgery. The soleus muscle volume did not recover significantly over time and was statistically significantly smaller than that of the healthy side at 12 months (P = .029). Fatty degeneration rates of the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus were 118.2%, 113.9% and 121.1% at 12 months after surgery, respectively. Fatty degeneration of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius did not change significantly, but there was a statistically significant increase in fatty degeneration of the soleus over time (P < .001). CONCLUSION Within the triceps surae muscle, the soleus was the most negatively affected by injury and repair for both muscle volume and fatty degeneration. Postoperative management to recover the soleus muscle function before a return to sporting activities should be considered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Mashimo
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiki Nozaki
- Department of Radiology, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Amaha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Tanaka
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junya Kubota
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sato
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuto Kitamura
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Schneebeli A, Barbero M, Filardo G, Testa E, Riegger M, Sangiorgio A, Cescon C, Soldini E, Falla D. Shear Wave Tensiometry Can Detect Loading Differences Between Operated and Unaffected Achilles Tendon. Foot Ankle Int 2023; 44:1295-1304. [PMID: 37924256 DOI: 10.1177/10711007231201156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinically relevant healing process of a ruptured and repaired Achilles tendon (AT) can last more than a year. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test if shear wave tensiometry is able to detect AT loading changes between a surgically managed AT rupture versus the unaffected contralateral tendon. Our secondary aims were to evaluate differences in mechanical properties when measured with myotonometry and morphological properties of the tendons measured with ultrasonographic imaging. METHODS Twenty-one patients with surgically treated AT ruptures were investigated 12-37 months after surgery. Tendon load was measured using a shear wave tensiometer composed of an array of 4 accelerometers fixed on the tendon. Shear wave speed along the Achilles tendon was evaluated at different levels of ankle torque for both the operated and the unaffected side. Mechanical properties of the tendons were evaluated using MyotonPRO and morphological properties using ultrasonographic imaging. Friedman test was used to assess differences in AT wave speed, stiffness, thickness, and cross-sectional area between the operated and the unaffected tendon. RESULTS We found a significant shear wave speed difference between sides at every ankle joint torque (P < .05) with a large effect size for the lowest ankle torque and small to medium effect sizes for higher ankle torque. Stiffness, thickness, and cross-sectional area of the operated tendon remained significantly higher compared to the unaffected side. CONCLUSION In this cohort, we found that shear wave tensiometry can detect differences between operated and unaffected AT during a standardized loading procedure. The shear wave speed along the operated tendon, as well as the mechanical and morphologic properties, remains higher for 1-3 years after a rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, case-control study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Schneebeli
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Marco Barbero
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Filardo
- Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Enrique Testa
- Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Martin Riegger
- Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Sangiorgio
- Service of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Surgery, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Corrado Cescon
- Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Soldini
- Competence Centre for Healthcare Practices and Policies, Department of Business Economics, Health, and Social Care, University of Applied. Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Falla
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Hoeffner R, Svensson RB, Dietrich-Zagonel F, Schefte D, Kjær M, Eliasson P, Magnusson SP. Muscle fascicle and sarcomere adaptation in response to Achilles tendon elongation in an animal model. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:326-333. [PMID: 37348011 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00040.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Permanent loss of muscle function seen after an Achilles tendon rupture may partly be explained by tendon elongation and accompanying shortening of the muscle. Muscle fascicle length shortens, serial sarcomere number is reduced, and the sarcomere length is unchanged after Achilles tendon transection (ATT), and these changes are mitigated with suturing. The method involved in this study was a controlled laboratory study. Two groups of rats underwent ATT on one side with a contralateral control (CTRL): A) ATT with 3 mm removal of the Achilles tendon and no suturing (substantial tendon elongation), and B) ATT with suture repair (minimal tendon elongation). The operated limb was immobilized for 2 wk to reduce load. Four weeks after surgery the rats were euthanized, and hindlimbs were analyzed for tendon length, gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle mass, length, fascicle length, sarcomere number and length. No differences were observed between the groups, and in both groups the Achilles tendon length was longer (15.2%, P < 0.001), GM muscle mass was smaller (17.5%, P < 0.001), and muscle length was shorter (8.2%, P < 0.001) on the ATT compared with CTRL side. GM fascicle length was shorter (11.2%, P < 0.001), and sarcomere number was lower (13.8%, P < 0.001) on the ATT side in all regions. Sarcomere length was greater in the proximal (5.8%, P < 0.001) and mid (4.2%, P = 0.003), but not distal region on the ATT side. In this animal model, regardless of suturing, ATT resulted in tendon elongation, loss of muscle mass and length, and reduced serial sarcomere number, which resulted in an "overshoot" lengthening of the sarcomeres.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Following acute Achilles tendon rupture, patients are often left with functional deficits. The specific reason remains largely unknown. The shortened muscle leads to reduced fascicle length, in turn leading to adaptation by reduced serial sarcomere numbers. Surprisingly, this adaptation appears to "overshoot" and lead to increased sarcomere length. The present animal model advances understanding of how muscle sarcomeres, which are difficult to measure in humans, are affected when undue elongation takes place after tendon rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Hoeffner
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rene B Svensson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franciele Dietrich-Zagonel
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Daniel Schefte
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michael Kjær
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernilla Eliasson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - S Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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van Dijk K, Khair RM, Sukanen M, Cronin NJ, Finni T. Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicle function during heel-rise after non-operative repair of Achilles tendon rupture. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 105:105977. [PMID: 37156191 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.105977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To better understand muscle remodelling in dynamic conditions after an Achilles tendon rupture, this study examined the length of medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles during a heel-rise at 6- and 12-months after non-operative ATR treatment. METHODS Participants (15 M, 3F) were diagnosed with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Medial gastrocnemius subtendon length, fascicle length and pennation angle were assessed in resting conditions, and fascicle shortening during bi- and unilateral heel-rises. FINDINGS Fascicle shortening was smaller on the injured side (mean difference [95% CI]: -9.7 mm [-14.7 to -4.7 mm]; -11.1 mm [-16.5 to -5.8 mm]) and increased from 6- to 12 months (4.5 mm [2.8-6.3 mm]; 3.2 mm [1.4-4.9 mm]) in bi- and unilateral heel-rise, respectively. The injured tendon was longer compared to contralateral limb (2.16 cm [0.54-3.79 cm]) and the length decreased over time (-0.78 cm [-1.28 to -0.29 cm]). Tendon length correlated with fascicle shortening in bilateral (r = -0.671, p = 0.002; r = -0.666, p = 0.003) and unilateral (r = -0.773, p ≤ 0.001; r = -0.616, p = 0.006) heel-rise, at 6- and 12-months, respectively. In the injured limb, the change over time in fascicle shortening correlated with change in subtendon length in unilateral heel-rise (r = 0.544, p = 0.02). INTERPRETATION This study showed that the lengths of the injured tendon and associated muscle can adapt throughout the first year after rupture when patients continue physiotherapy and physical exercises. For muscle, measures of resting length may not be very informative about adaptations, which manifest themselves during functional tasks such as unilateral heel-rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen van Dijk
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700 Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Raad M Khair
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700 Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Maria Sukanen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700 Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700 Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; School of Sport & Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700 Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
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Khair RM, Stenroth L, Cronin NJ, Ponkilainen V, Reito A, Finni T. Exploration of muscle-tendon biomechanics one year after Achilles tendon rupture and the compensatory role of flexor hallucis longus. J Biomech 2023; 152:111586. [PMID: 37080080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Achilles tendon (AT) rupture leads to long-term structural and functional impairments. Currently, the predictors of good recovery after rupture are poorly known. Thus, we aimed to explore the interconnections between structural, mechanical, and neuromuscular parameters and their associations with factors that could explain good recovery in patients with non-surgically treated AT rupture. A total of 35 patients with unilateral rupture (6 females) participated in this study. Muscle-tendon structural, mechanical, and neuromuscular parameters were measured 1-year after rupture. Interconnections between the inter-limb differences (Δ) were explored using partial correlations, followed by multivariable linear regression to find associations between the measured factors and the following markers that indicate good recovery: 1) tendon length, 2) tendon non-uniform displacement, and 3) flexor hallucis longus (FHL) normalized EMG amplitude difference between limbs. Δmedial gastrocnemius (MG) (β = -0.12, p = 0.007) and Δlateral gastrocnemius (β = -0.086, p = 0.030) subtendon lengths were associated with MG tendon Δstiffness. MG (β = 11.56, p = 0.003) and soleus (β = 2.18, p = 0.040) Δsubtendon lengths explained 48 % of variance in FHL EMG amplitude. Regression models for tendon length and non-uniform displacement were not significant. Smaller inter-limb differences in Achilles subtendon lengths were associated with smaller differences in the AT stiffness between limbs, and a smaller contribution of FHL muscle to the plantarflexion torque. In the injured limb, the increased contribution of FHL appears to partially counteract a smaller contribution from MG due to the elongated tendon, however the role of FHL should not be emphasized during rehabilitation to allow recovery of the TS muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ra'ad M Khair
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Lauri Stenroth
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, UK
| | | | - Aleksi Reito
- Central Finland Central Hospital Nova, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Finni T, Vanwanseele B. Towards modern understanding of the Achilles tendon properties in human movement research. J Biomech 2023; 152:111583. [PMID: 37086579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in humans, yet it often suffers from injury. The mechanical properties of the AT afford efficient movement, power amplification and power attenuation during locomotor tasks. The properties and the unique structure of the AT as a common tendon for three muscles have been studied frequently in humans using in vivo methods since 1990's. As a part of the celebration of 50 years history of the International Society of Biomechanics, this paper reviews the history of the AT research focusing on its mechanical properties in humans. The questions addressed are: What are the most important mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon, how are they studied, what is their significance to human movement, and how do they adapt? We foresee that the ongoing developments in experimental methods and modeling can provide ways to advance knowledge of the complex three-dimensional structure and properties of the Achilles tendon in vivo, and to enable monitoring of the loading and recovery for optimizing individual adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Benedicte Vanwanseele
- Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Science, Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Khair RM, Stenroth L, Cronin NJ, Reito A, Paloneva J, Finni T. In vivo localised gastrocnemius subtendon representation within the healthy and ruptured human Achilles tendon. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:11-19. [PMID: 35546126 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00084.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Achilles tendon (AT) is composed of three distinct in-series elastic subtendons, arising from different muscles in the triceps surae. Independent activation of any of these muscles is thought to induce sliding between the adjacent AT subtendons. We aimed to investigate displacement patterns during voluntary contraction (VOL) and selective transcutaneous stimulation of medial (MGstim) and lateral (LGstim) gastrocnemius between ruptured and healthy tendons, and to examine the representative areas of AT subtendons. Twenty-eight patients with unilateral AT rupture performed bilateral VOL at 30% of the maximal isometric un-injured plantarflexion torque. AT displacement was analysed from sagittal B-mode ultrasonography images during VOL, MGstim and LGstim. Three-way ANOVA revealed a significant two-way interaction of contraction type*location on the tendon displacement (F(10-815)=3.72, p<0.001). The subsequent two-way analysis revealed a significant contraction type*location interaction for tendon displacement (F(10-410)=3.79, p<0.001) in the un-injured limb only, where LGstim displacement pattern was significantly different from MGstim (p=0.008) and VOL (p=0.005). When comparing contraction types between limbs the there were no difference in the displacement patterns, but displacement amplitudes differed. There was no significant difference in the location of maximum or minimum displacement between limbs. The displacement pattern was not different in non-surgically treated compared to un-injured tendons one-year post rupture. Our results suggest that near the calcaneus, LG subtendon is located in the most anterior region adjacent to medial gastrocnemius. However, free tendon stiffness seems to be lower in the injured AT, leading to more displacement during electrically-induced contractions compared to the un-injured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raad M Khair
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Lauri Stenroth
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.,School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksi Reito
- Central Finland Health Care District, Finland and University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Juha Paloneva
- Central Finland Health Care District, Finland and University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Finni T, Peter A, Khair R, Cronin NJ. Tendon length estimates are influenced by tracking location. Eur J Appl Physiol 2022; 122:1857-1862. [PMID: 35522277 PMCID: PMC9287240 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-04958-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Measurement of medial gastrocnemius (MG) tendon length using ultrasonography (US) requires the muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) to be located. Previously, the MG MTJ has been tracked from different proximo-distal locations near the MTJ, which could influence estimates of tendon length change due to the different characteristics of the aponeurosis and tendon. We used US to evaluate the effect of tracking point location on MG MTJ displacement during maximal and submaximal (10, 20 and 30% of the non-injured maximal) isometric plantar flexion contractions. METHODS Displacement behaviour of MTJ was tracked from (1) the exact MTJ; and (2) from an insertion point of a muscle fascicle on the aponeurosis 1.3 ± 0.6 cm proximal to the MTJ, in both limbs of patients with unilateral Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) (n = 22, 4 females, 42 ± 9 years, 177 ± 9 cm, 79 ± 10 kg). RESULTS In the non-injured limb, displacement (1.3 ± 0.5 cm vs. 1.1 ± 0.6 cm) and strain (6.7 ± 2.8% vs. 5.8 ± 3.3%) during maximal voluntary contraction were larger when tracking a point on the aponeurosis than when tracking the MTJ (both p < 0.001). The same was true for all contraction levels, and both limbs. CONCLUSION Tracking a point on the aponeurosis consistently exaggerates estimates of tendon displacement, and the magnitude of this effect is contraction intensity-dependent. When quantifying displacement and strain of the Achilles tendon, the MTJ should be tracked directly, rather than tracking a surrogate point proximal to the MTJ. The latter method includes part of the aponeurosis, which due to its relative compliance, artificially increases estimates of MTJ displacement and strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Finni
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Viveca 227, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Annamaria Peter
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Viveca 227, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Ra'ad Khair
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Viveca 227, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Neil J Cronin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Neuromuscular Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä, Viveca 227, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland.,School of Sport & Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester, UK
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