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Dar G, Shenhar M, Finestone AS, Witchalls J, Waddington G, Paulman O, Nemet D, Steinberg N. Is Achilles tendon structure associated with functional ability and chronic ankle instability in military recruits? Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 74:103197. [PMID: 39366311 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103197] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between Achilles tendon (AT) structure, functional ability and chronic ankle instability (CAI) in military recruits. METHODS Three hundred and sixty newly recruited infantry male soldiers recruited in April 2022 were assessed for AT structure by Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC), for functional abilities (included proprioception ability, heel-raise test, dynamic postural balance, and hopping agility ability) and for CAI (recurrent sprains and a positive perceived instability). RESULTS Soldiers that were identified with disorganized tendon had significantly lower heel-raise and agility scores compared to those with organized tendon structures (33.6 ± 18.1(n) vs. 49.9 ± 28.9(n), p < 0.001; and 5.39 ± 2.12(n) vs. 6.16 ± 1.90(n), p = 0.002, respectively). The best discriminator between soldiers with organized vs. disorganized structure, was heel-raise test (AUC = 0.741). Moreover, soldiers with disorganized AT structure had a higher prevalence of CAI compared with those with organized tendon structures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Recruits with disorganized tendon structures displayed reduced heel-raise score, agility ability and dynamic postural-balance and greater ankle instability. Inferior tendon quality at the onset of military service is an important physical indicator to consider when seeking to manage future injuries and potential for physical performance. Pre-recruitment screening of the AT structure, CAI, and functional abilities, especially in high-intensity infantry programs, needs to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Dar
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Studies, University of Haifa, Israel.
| | - Michal Shenhar
- The Academic College Levinsky-WIngate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel.
| | - Aharon S Finestone
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shamir Medical Center, Israel; Affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Jeremy Witchalls
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Australia.
| | | | - Omer Paulman
- Military Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Israel.
| | - Dan Nemet
- Child Health and Sport Center, Pediatrics, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Nili Steinberg
- The Academic College Levinsky-WIngate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel.
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Steinberg N, Elbaz L, Eliakim A, Nemet D, Bar-Sella S, Peleg S, Dar G. Tendon structure, clinical tests, and pain during-loading in young female competitive gymnasts. J Sports Sci 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39299935 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2403290] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
To examine the relationship between Achilles-tendon (AT) and patellar-tendon (PT) structure, clinical-examination and tendon pain in young gymnasts; and, to explore the associations between these factors and age, maturation, and training-load. Two hundred and seventy-four female gymnasts (aged 12.1±1.9 yrs) were assessed for anthropometric measures, pubertal-stage, and training-load. They had clinical-tests (pain-on-palpation for AT and pain-on-palpation and Royal-London Hospital-Test for PT), were asked about tendon-pain during-loading and were assessed for tendon-structure. Gymnasts with positive clinical-tests (with and without pain during-loading) presented a significantly higher prevalence of disorganized AT and PT compared to gymnasts with negative clinical-tests (with and without pain during-loading) (p<0.05). A significant pubertyXpositive clinical-test interaction was found for disorganized PT structure, whereby a disorganized structure was more prevalent among post-pubertal gymnasts with positive clinical-tests compared to pre-pubertal participants with negative clinical-tests (F(1, 263)=9.436, p=0.002). In gymnasts with positive clinical-tests, significant correlations were found between disorganized AT and PT structures and age, and training-load (p<0.05). An increased prevalence of disorganized tendon structure (regardless of pain during-loading) was seen in participants with positive clinical-tests. This disorganized tendon-structure was found to be significantly related to increased age, post-pubertal stage, and higher training hours in gymnasts with positive clinical-tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Steinberg
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Liav Elbaz
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Alon Eliakim
- Child Health and Sport Center, Pediatrics, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Nemet
- Child Health and Sport Center, Pediatrics, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shelly Bar-Sella
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Smadar Peleg
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Gali Dar
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Sleeswijk Visser TSO, Brul SL, O'Neill S, van Es EM, Eygendaal D, de Vos RJ. Measuring Ultrasonographic Thickness of the Achilles Tendon Insertion Is Less Reliable Than the Midportion in Healthy Tendons and Patients With Tendinopathy. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2024; 43:713-722. [PMID: 38140763 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method in the diagnostic process of Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is a frequently used, standardized and valid method to assess tendon geometry in AT patients. It is unknown whether UTC is reliable for measuring Achilles tendon thickness. The aim of the study was to assess intra- and inter-rater reliability of Achilles tendon thickness measurements using UTC in both asymptomatic individuals and patients with AT, and to evaluate if the reliability of thickness measurements differs between the midportion and insertional area. METHODS Exactly 50 patients with AT and 50 asymptomatic individuals were included. Using the conventional US and standardized UTC procedure maximum thickness was measured in the midportion and insertion region. To determine inter- and intra-rater reliabilities, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. RESULTS The ICC values for inter- and intra-rater reliability were classified as "excellent," for the AT group (0.93 [95% CI: 0.88-0.96] and 0.95 [0.92-0.97]) and asymptomatic participants (0.91 [0.87-0.94] and 0.94 [0.92-0.96]). The reliability of measuring tendon thickness in the midportion region was "excellent," with both inter-rater (0.97 [0.95-0.98]) and intra-rater (0.98 [0.96-0.99]) ICC values indicating high levels of agreement. In the insertional region, ICC values for inter-rater (0.79 [0.69-0.87]) and intra-rater (0.89 [0.84-0.93]) reliability were "moderate to good." CONCLUSION We showed excellent reliability for measuring the US thickness of the midportion and good reliability of measuring the insertional region in patients with AT. Significantly lower ICCs were observed for the reliability of thickness measurements in the insertional region when compared with the midportion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjerk S O Sleeswijk Visser
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano L Brul
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seth O'Neill
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Allied Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Eline M van Es
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Denise Eygendaal
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert-Jan de Vos
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Scott I, Connell D, Moulton D, Waters S, Namburete A, Arnab A, Malliaras P. An automated method for tendon image segmentation on ultrasound using grey-level co-occurrence matrix features and hidden Gaussian Markov random fields. Comput Biol Med 2024; 169:107872. [PMID: 38160500 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107872] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite knowledge of qualitative changes that occur on ultrasound in tendinopathy, there is currently no objective and reliable means to quantify the severity or prognosis of tendinopathy on ultrasound. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to produce a quantitative and automated means of inferring potential structural changes in tendinopathy by developing and implementing an algorithm which performs a texture based segmentation of tendon ultrasound (US) images. METHOD A model-based segmentation approach is used which combines Gaussian mixture models, Markov random field theory and grey-level co-occurrence (GLCM) features. The algorithm is trained and tested on 49 longitudinal B-mode ultrasound images of the Achilles tendons which are labelled as tendinopathic (24) or healthy (25). Hyperparameters are tuned, using a training set of 25 images, to optimise a decision tree based classification of the images from texture class proportions. We segment and classify the remaining test images using the decision tree. RESULTS Our approach successfully detects a difference in the texture profiles of tendinopathic and healthy tendons, with 22/24 of the test images accurately classified based on a simple texture proportion cut-off threshold. Results for the tendinopathic images are also collated to gain insight into the topology of structural changes that occur with tendinopathy. It is evident that distinct textures, which are predominantly present in tendinopathic tendons, appear most commonly near the transverse boundary of the tendon, though there was a large variability among diseased tendons. CONCLUSION The GLCM based segmentation of tendons under ultrasound resulted in distinct segmentations between healthy and tendinopathic tendons and provides a potential tool to objectively quantify damage in tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Scott
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Derek Moulton
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Waters
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Namburete
- Oxford Machine Learning in Neuroimaging laboratory, OMNI, Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Malliaras
- Imaging at Olympic Park, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Paantjens MA, Helmhout PH, Gerardus Backx FJ, Willibrord Martens MTA, van Dongen JPA, Petrus Bakker EW. Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability of Processing Ultrasound Tissue Characterization Scans in Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9348298. [PMID: 38655162 PMCID: PMC11022779 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9348298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is used to visualize and quantify the Achilles tendon structure. We investigated the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of UTC for quantifying the midportion tendon structure and the area of maximum degeneration (AoMD) in military personnel with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Method UTC scans of 50 patients (16-60 years) were processed twice by rater 1 and once by rater 2. First, the midportion tendon structure was quantified and subsequently the AoMD. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for echo-types I, II, III, IV, aligned fibrillar structure (echo-types I + II), and disorganized tendon structure (echo-types III + IV). Results For midportion tendon structure, all ICC values were excellent for intra-rater reliability (range: 0.97 to 0.99) and inter-rater reliability (range: 0.98 to 0.99). Regarding the AoMD, intra-rater reliability showed excellent ICC values for all echo-types (range: 0.94 to 0.98) except for echo-type II (0.85). Inter-rater reliability showed excellent ICC values for all echo-types (range: 0.92 to 0.98). Conclusion Processing of UTC scans is highly reliable in quantifying the midportion Achilles tendon structure and the AoMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Adriaan Paantjens
- Sports Medicine Centre, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pieter Herman Helmhout
- Centre of Excellence, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Eric Wilhelmus Petrus Bakker
- Department Epidemiology and Data Science, Division EPM, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Ribbans WJ, September AV, Collins M. Tendon and Ligament Genetics: How Do They Contribute to Disease and Injury? A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050663. [PMID: 35629331 PMCID: PMC9147569 DOI: 10.3390/life12050663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients requiring musculoskeletal management present with tendon and ligament pathology. Our understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that lead to such disabilities is increasing. However, the complexity underpinning these interactive multifactorial elements is still not fully characterised. Evidence highlighting the genetic components, either reducing or increasing susceptibility to injury, is increasing. This review examines the present understanding of the role genetic variations contribute to tendon and ligament injury risk. It examines the different elements of tendon and ligament structure and considers our knowledge of genetic influence on form, function, ability to withstand load, and undertake repair or regeneration. The role of epigenetic factors in modifying gene expression in these structures is also explored. It considers the challenges to interpreting present knowledge, the requirements, and likely pathways for future research, and whether such information has reached the point of clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Ribbans
- School of Health, The University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
- The County Clinic, Northampton NN1 5DB, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-1604-795414
| | - Alison V. September
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (A.V.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Malcolm Collins
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (A.V.S.); (M.C.)
- Health Through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
- International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS), Collaborative Centre of Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
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Current understanding of the diagnosis and management of the tendinopathy: An update from the lab to the clinical practice. Dis Mon 2022; 68:101314. [PMID: 34996610 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2021.101314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tendinopathy is labeled by many authors as a troublesome, common pathology, present in up to 30% medical care consultations involving musculoskeletal conditions. Despite the lasting interest for addressing tendon pathology, current researchers agree that even the exact definition of the term tendinopathy is unclear. Tendinopathy is currently diagnosed as a clinical hypothesis based on the patient symptoms and physical context. One of the main goals of current clinical management is to personalize treatment approaches to adapt them to the many different needs of the population. Tendons are complex structures that unite muscles and bones with two main objectives: to transmit forces and storage and release energy. Regarding the tensile properties of the tendons, several authors argued that tendons have higher tensile strength compared with muscles, however, are considered less flexible. Tendinopathy is an accepted term which is used to indicated a variety of tissue conditions that appear in injured tendons and describes a non-rupture damage in the tendon or paratendon, which is intensified with mechanical loading Even when the pathoetiology of tendinopathy is unclear, there is a wide array of treatments available to treat and manage tendinopathy. Although tendinitis usually debuts with an inflammatory response, the majority of chronic tendinopathies do not present inflammation and so the choosing of treatment should vary depending on severity, compliance, pain and duration of symptoms. The purpose of this article is to review and provide an overview about the currently research of the tendon diagnosis, management and etiology.
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Elgart B, Pietrosimone LS, Lucero A, Stafford HC, Berkoff DJ. Identifying achilles tendon structure differences by ultrasound tissue characterization in asymptomatic individuals. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:1914-1920. [PMID: 34170573 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC) is a modality that can be utilized to characterize tendon tissue structure using ultrasonographic imaging paired with a computer algorithm to distinguish echo-types. Several studies have demonstrated UTCs ability to distinguish Achilles tendon morphology changes, but no study has established normative data of the Achilles tendon in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine UTC echo-type distribution in the Achilles tendon in an asymptomatic population. UTC scans were completed and analyzed on 508 participants without Achilles tendinopathy. Dedicated UTC-algorithms were used to distinguish and calculate echo-type percentages and the fiber type distribution was compared. The overall sample echo-type percentages demonstrated greater levels of Type I and II echo-types, 65.73% and 32.00%, respectively, and lower levels of Type III and IV echo-types, 1.74% and 0.57%, respectively. In addition, females had lower levels of Echo-type I compared to men and greater levels of echo-type II (p < 0.001). We also found that African-Americans had significantly greater amounts of echo-type I and lesser amounts of echo-type II when compared to Caucasians (p < 0.05). The results of this study create a normative data set for future UTC studies to utilize as a baseline for the evaluation of Achilles tendons. In addition, it demonstrated tendon type differences between sexes and races that need to be accounted for in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Elgart
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura S Pietrosimone
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Angela Lucero
- Anesthesiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - David J Berkoff
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Rabello LM, Dams OC, van den Akker-Scheek I, Zwerver J, O'Neill S. Substantiating the Use of Ultrasound Tissue Characterization in the Analysis of Tendon Structure: A Systematic Review. Clin J Sport Med 2021; 31:e161-e175. [PMID: 31241489 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the role of ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) in predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring tendon structure and/or tendinopathy. In addition, this study aims to provide recommendations for standardized methodology of UTC administration and analysis. DATA SOURCE The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched (up to September 2018). All scientific literature concerning the use of UTC in assessing tendons was collected. The initial search resulted in a total of 1972 hits, and after screening by eligibility criteria, 27 articles were included. RESULTS In total, 18 investigating the Achilles tendon, 5 the patellar tendon, and 4 both Achilles and patellar tendons were included. The methods of UTC administration and analysis differed and were not uniform. The studies showed that the use of UTC to predict Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is inconclusive, but that a higher amount of tendon disorganization increases the risk of developing patellar tendinopathy (PT). In terms of diagnosis, UTC might provide additional information in AT cases. In addition, promising results were found for the use of UTC in both AT and PT in monitoring the effect of load or treatment on tendon structure. CONCLUSION More research regarding the use of UTC in predicting tendon pathology is required. Ultrasound tissue characterization seems useful as an adjunct diagnostic modality because it can be used to differentiate symptomatic from asymptomatic tendons. In addition, UTC is a promising device to be used to monitor changes in tendon structure in response to load or treatment. Moreover, we provide recommendations of a standardized protocol concerning the methods of UTC measurement and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inge van den Akker-Scheek
- Departments of Sports and Exercise Medicine; and
- Orthopedics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands ; and
| | | | - Seth O'Neill
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Steinberg N, Funk S, Svorai-Band S, Yavnai N, Pantanowitz M, Zeev A, Dar G. The Influence of a 14-Week Infantry Commanders Courses on the Achilles Tendon and Patellar Tendon Structure. Mil Med 2021; 187:e377-e386. [PMID: 33533888 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alternated tendon structure may raise stress to the musculoskeletal structures and may increase the potential for overuse injury. Screening the tendon structure of soldiers pre- and post-participation in a strenuous combat course is essential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a 14-week infantry commanders courses on the Achilles tendon (AT) structure and patellar tendon (PT) structure in combat soldiers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-eight participants from an infantry commanders course were screened pre- and post-course for the AT and PT structures, using ultrasonographic tissue characterizaton (UTC) imaging to capture a 3D structure of four echo-type fibers (I-IV). RESULTS In both tendons, the mean relative frequency of echo-type I fibers significantly decreased from pre- to post-testing, with a significant increase in the relative frequency of echo-types II, III, and IV fibers. In the AT, 60.2% of the subjects showed positive differences (between pre- and post-testing in the echo-type III + IV fiber ("worsened" tendon structure), whereas in the PT, 92.2% of the subject showed an increased frequency. No significant correlation (r = 0.108; P = .324) was found between the differences of echo-type III + IV fibers of the AT and that of the PT. CONCLUSIONS Loads to the musculoskeletal structures along the combat course increased the mean relative frequency of the "reduced" echo-type fibers (III + IV) in both the AT structure and the PT structure. Yet, whereas in the AT around 40% of the soldiers showed an improved tendon structure along the course, in the PT less than 10% of the soldiers showed that improvement. Soldiers and commanders should be aware of the different influence of the loading exercises along the course on the AT and on the PT structure, as "reduced" tendons structure might put the soldiers at higher risk for injury in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Steinberg
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Shany Funk
- Combat Fitness Department, Doctrine and Research Branch, IDF, Military post #01443, Israel
| | - Shani Svorai-Band
- Military Medical Corps, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Military post #02149, Israel
| | - Nirit Yavnai
- Research Directorate, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Military post #02149, Israel
| | - Michal Pantanowitz
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Aviva Zeev
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Gali Dar
- Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of Social Welfare, Health Studies University of Haifa, 3498838, Israel
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郑 伟, 刘 培, 梁 晓, 赵 宏. [Research progress in Achilles tendinopathy]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2020; 34:1619-1623. [PMID: 33319546 PMCID: PMC8171570 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202002064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the classification, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS The literature about Achilles tendinopathy at home and abroad was reviewed. The research results of classification and terms, imaging diagnosis, and clinical treatment of Achilles tendinopathy were summarized. RESULTS The classification and name of Achilles tendinopathy are not completely unified, and the concept is vague, the cause of disease is not clear. There are many treatment plans, but there is no effective evidence-based medicine research. CONCLUSION The diagnosis and treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is complicated. According to the characteristics of Achilles tendon anatomy and etiology, the classification and definition of Achilles tendinopathy need to be further studied in order to guide clinical treatment more effectively and facilitate experience exchange and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- 伟鑫 郑
- 西安医学院(西安 710068)Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Shaanxi, 710068, P.R.China
| | - 培珑 刘
- 西安医学院(西安 710068)Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Shaanxi, 710068, P.R.China
| | - 晓军 梁
- 西安医学院(西安 710068)Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Shaanxi, 710068, P.R.China
| | - 宏谋 赵
- 西安医学院(西安 710068)Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Shaanxi, 710068, P.R.China
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Docking SI, Girdwood MA, Cook J, Fortington LV, Rio E. Reduced Levels of Aligned Fibrillar Structure Are Not Associated With Achilles and Patellar Tendon Symptoms. Clin J Sport Med 2020; 30:550-555. [PMID: 30067515 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the mean cross-sectional area (mCSA) of aligned fibrillar structure (AFS) was associated with the presence and severity of symptoms. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS One hundred seventy-five elite male Australian football players completed monthly Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center overuse injury questionnaires for both the Achilles and patellar tendon over the season to ascertain the presence and severity of symptoms. At the start of the preseason, participants underwent ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) imaging of the Achilles and patellar tendon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Images were classified as normal or abnormal based on gray-scale ultrasound. Based on UTC quantification, the mCSA of AFS was compared between those with and without current symptoms. RESULTS No difference in the mCSA of AFS was observed between those with or without tendon symptoms (P < 0.05). Similar to previous findings, 80% to 92% of abnormal tendons had similar amounts of mCSA of AFS compared with normal tendon. If reduced mCSA of AFS was present, it was not associated with the presence or severity of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence, development, or severity of symptoms was not associated with decreased levels of AFS in the Achilles or patellar tendon. This suggests that a lack of structural integrity is not linked to symptoms and questions the rationale behind regenerative medicine. Most tendons are able to compensate for areas of disorganization and maintain tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean I Docking
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center, College of Science, Health and Engineering; La Trobe University; Australia; and
- Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Michael A Girdwood
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center, College of Science, Health and Engineering; La Trobe University; Australia; and
- Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Jill Cook
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center, College of Science, Health and Engineering; La Trobe University; Australia; and
- Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Lauren V Fortington
- Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Ebonie Rio
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center, College of Science, Health and Engineering; La Trobe University; Australia; and
- Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
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13
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Steinberg N, Pantanowitz M, Funk S, Svorai Band S, Waddington G, Yavnai N, Zeev A. Can Achilles and patellar tendon structures predict musculoskeletal injuries in combat soldiers? Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 31:205-214. [PMID: 32885496 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aiming to investigate whether Achilles tendon (AT) structure and patellar tendon (PT) structure are risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in combat soldiers, 168 participants were recruited from an infantry commander's course. The AT and PT were examined pre-course using UTC to capture the structure of four echo-type fibers (I-IV). All injuries were assessed by military physicians pre-course and throughout the 14-week course. Soldiers who were injured during the course had a significantly higher pre-course prevalence of AT and PT echo-type III and echo-type IV compared to soldiers that were not injured during the course. Variables that were found to be associated with injured/non-injured participants were echo-type III + IV of the PT (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.24-1.68) and echo-type III of the AT (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.35-2.12). ROC analyses showed that the best model, exhibiting both high sensitivity and low specificity, was that participants with PT echo-type III + IV > 10% or AT echo-type III >8.5% had the highest risk of being injured during the course. In conclusions, the tendon structure at the beginning of high-intensity activity or physical training program might be a risk factor for subsequent injury during the course. Soldiers and high-level athletes should be aware of the cutoff points for fiber types in tendon structure that might put them at high risk for future injury. At-risk soldiers/athletes should be provided with an intervention program before they start their training program, with the aim of improving the tendon structure and preventing subsequent injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Steinberg
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Michal Pantanowitz
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Shany Funk
- Combat Fitness Department, Doctrine and Research Branch, Israel Defense Forces, Netanya, Israel
| | | | | | - Nirit Yavnai
- Research Directorate, Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Aviva Zeev
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
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14
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Rabello LM, van den Akker-Scheek I, Kuipers IF, Diercks RL, Brink MS, Zwerver J. Bilateral changes in tendon structure of patients diagnosed with unilateral insertional or midportion achilles tendinopathy or patellar tendinopathy. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2020; 28:1631-1638. [PMID: 30937472 PMCID: PMC7176591 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-019-05495-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Changes in tendon structure are commonly seen in patients with unilateral achilles (AT) or patellar (PT) tendinopathy but might also be present on the asymptomatic side, indicating a higher risk for developing symptoms. The aim of this study is to compare tendon structure of the symptomatic side with the asymptomatic side in AT and PT patients and control subjects. METHODS A total of 46 patients with unilateral AT (16 insertional and 30 midportion) and 38 with unilateral PT were included. For the control group, a total of 18 Achilles tendons and 25 patellar tendons were scanned. Tendon structure was assessed using ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC), which quantifies tendon organisation dividing the structure into four different echo types (I-IV). RESULTS There were significant differences in echo types I, III, and IV between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides and controls. Additionally, there was a significant difference between the symptomatic and the asymptomatic side for all tendinopathy locations. In the insertional AT tendon portion, the symptomatic side showed a higher percentage of echo type III. For the midportion AT, the symptomatic side showed a lower percentage of echo type I and a higher percentage of echo types III and IV. For the patellar tendon, the symptomatic side showed a higher percentage of echo types III and IV. All differences were higher than the minimal detectable changes. CONCLUSION Although patients have symptoms unilaterally, the tendon structures are compromised on both sides. These results stress the importance of monitoring both symptomatic and asymptomatic tendon structures and in addition highlight that the asymptomatic side should not be used as reference in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Maciel Rabello
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - I van den Akker-Scheek
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ireen F Kuipers
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R L Diercks
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel S Brink
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Zwerver
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Achilles Tendinopathy (AT) is essentially a failed healing response with haphazard proliferation of tenocytes, abnormalities in tenocytes with disruption of collagen fibers, and subsequent increase in non-collagenous matrix. METHODS The diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy is clinical, and MRI and utrasound imaging can be useful in differential diagnosis. Conservative manegement, open surgery or minimally invasive techniques are available. Injections and physical therapy are also vauable options. RESULTS Eccentric exercises are useful tools to manage the pathology. If the condition does not ameliorate, shock wave therapy, or nitric oxide patches might be considered. Peritendinous injections or injections at the interface between the Achilles tendon and Kager's triangle could be considered if physical therapy should fail. Surgery is indicated after 6 months of non-operative management. CONCLUSIONS The clinical diagnosis and management of AT are not straightforward. Hence, patients should understand that symptoms may recur with either conservative or surgical approaches.
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Gatz M, Betsch M, Dirrichs T, Schrading S, Tingart M, Michalik R, Quack V. Eccentric and Isometric Exercises in Achilles Tendinopathy Evaluated by the VISA-A Score and Shear Wave Elastography. Sports Health 2020; 12:373-381. [PMID: 32003647 PMCID: PMC7787566 DOI: 10.1177/1941738119893996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apart from eccentric exercises (EE), isometric exercises (ISO) might be a treatment option for Achilles tendinopathy. Shear wave elastography (SWE) provides information for diagnosis and for monitoring tissue elasticity, which is altered in symptomatic tendons. HYPOTHESIS Isometric exercises will have a beneficial effect on patients' outcome scores. Based on SWE, insertional and midportion tendon parts will differ in their elastic properties according to current symptoms. STUDY DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 2. METHODS Group 1 (EE; n = 20; 12 males, 8 females; mean age, 52 ± 8.98 years) and group 2 (EE + ISO; n = 22; 15 males, 7 females; mean age, 47 ± 15.11 years) performed exercises for 3 months. Measurement points were before exercises were initiated as well as after 1 and 3 months using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, and SWE (insertion and midportion). RESULTS Both groups improved significantly, but there were no significant interindividual differences (VISA-A; P = 0.362) between group 1 (n = 15; +15 VISA-A) and group 2 (n = 15; +15 VISA-A). The symptomatic insertion (symptomatic, 136.89 kPa; asymptomatic, 174.68 kPa; P = 0.045) and the symptomatic midportion of the Achilles tendon (symptomatic, 184.40 kPa; asymptomatic, 215.41 kPa; P = 0.039) had significantly lower Young modulus compared with the asymptomatic tendons. The midportion location had significantly higher Young modulus than the insertional part of the tendon (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Isometric exercises do not have additional benefit when combined with eccentric exercises, as assessed over a 3-month intervention period. SWE is able to distinguish between insertional and midportion tendon parts in a symptomatic and asymptomatic state. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The present study shows no additional effect of ISO when added to baseline EE in treating Achilles tendinopathy. Different elastic properties of the insertional and midportion tendon have to be taken into consideration when rating a tendon as pathologic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gatz
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marcel Betsch
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Timm Dirrichs
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Simone Schrading
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Markus Tingart
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman Michalik
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Valentin Quack
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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17
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Dar G, Waddington G, Stern M, Dotan N, Steinberg N. Differences Between Long Distance Road Runners and Trail Runners in Achilles Tendon Structure and Jumping and Balance Performance. PM R 2020; 12:794-804. [PMID: 31762215 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Load and joint kinematics change with differences in running surface. Running regularly on trails compared to roads might influence the load on the Achilles tendon and its adaptations, along with other factors such as balance, strength, and proprioception. OBJECTIVE To investigate Achilles tendon structure and functional tests in road and trail runners. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Laboratory, sport sciences college. PARTICIPANTS The study included 26 road and 17 trail runners who run at least three times per week with a minimum of 20 km per week and who participated in running competitions over the preceding 2 years. METHODS Each participant was examined for Achilles tendon structure (via ultrasound tissue characterization [UTC] imaging) and underwent functional tests in addition to completing a demographic questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS The percentages of echo types I, II, III, and IV (degree of structural homogeneity) within the tendon, tendon length and width, tendon cross-sectional area (via UTC imaging); Ankle inversion movement discrimination ability (via Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus device); dynamic postural balance (via Y balance test); jumping performance (by Triple hop distance test); and Hip muscle abduction muscle strength (by hand-held dynamometry). RESULTS Percentage of echo type I was significantly lower while echo type II was higher in the road group compared with the trail group (67.3% type I and 28.9% type II in the road group compared with 74.1% type I and 22.1% type II in the trail group, P < .001). No differences between genders were found and no significant differences between groups were found for the other tests. CONCLUSION Tendon integrity as examined with UTC is different between road and trail runners. This suggests an influence of running surface on Achilles tendon structure. This difference was not reflected in other tests, thus the influence of tendon structure on function needs further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gali Dar
- Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Physical Therapy, The Ribstein Center for Sport Medicine Sciences and Research, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Gordon Waddington
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Canberra, Australia
| | - Myriam Stern
- Department of Radiology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nadav Dotan
- The Wingate College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Nili Steinberg
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Canberra, Australia.,The Wingate College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
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18
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Rabello LM, Albers IS, van Ark M, Diercks RL, van den Akker-Scheek I, Zwerver J. Running a Marathon-Its Influence on Achilles Tendon Structure. J Athl Train 2020; 55:176-180. [PMID: 31935137 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-49-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Several studies have been conducted to better understand the effect of load on the Achilles tendon structure. However, the effect of a high cumulative load consisting of repetitive cyclic movements, such as those that occur during the running of a marathon, on Achilles tendon structure is not yet clear. Clinicians, coaches, and athletes will benefit from knowledge about the effects of a marathon on the structure of the Achilles tendon. OBJECTIVE To investigate the short-term response of the Achilles tendon structure to running a marathon. DESIGN Case series (prospective). SETTING Sports medicine centers. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Ten male nonelite runners who ran in a marathon. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S) Tendon structure was assessed before and 2 and 7 days after a marathon using ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC), an imaging tool that quantifies tendon organization in 4 echo types (I-IV). Echo type I represents the most stable echo pattern, and echo type IV, the least stable. RESULTS At 7 days postmarathon, both the insertional and midportion structure changed significantly. At both sites, the percentage of echo type II increased (insertion P < .01; midportion P = .02) and the percentages of echo types III and IV decreased (type III: insertion P = .01; midportion P = .02; type IV: insertion P = .01; midportion P < .01). Additionally, at the insertion, the percentage of echo type I decreased (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS We observed the effects of running a marathon on the Achilles tendon structure 7 days after the event. Running the marathon combined with the activity performed shortly thereafter might have caused the changes in tendon structure. This result emphasizes the importance of sufficient recovery time after running a marathon to prevent overuse injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Maciel Rabello
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Sophie Albers
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mathijs van Ark
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiotherapy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Centre of Expertise Primary Care Groningen (ECEZG), Peescentrum (Tendon Centre), The Netherlands
| | - Ron L Diercks
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge van den Akker-Scheek
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Zwerver
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
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19
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Lawson A, Noorkoiv M, Masci L, Mohagheghi AA. Ankle Joint Position and the Reliability of Ultrasound Tissue Characterization of the Achilles Tendon: A Pilot Study. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:6884-6893. [PMID: 31516131 PMCID: PMC6755937 DOI: 10.12659/msm.915685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Imaging of the Achilles tendon using ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) involves taking up the slack of the tendon by including dorsiflexion of the ankle. This pilot study aimed to determine whether different longitudinal tension applied to the Achilles tendon during imaging affected the reliability of UTC. Material/Methods Nine asymptomatic active volunteers, aged between 23–49 years underwent imaging of 17 Achilles tendons. Three positions of tension included plantar grade, 50%, and 100% of maximal dorsiflexion, with a range of 18–32°. Ranges were established and standardized using an isokinetic dynamometer. A test and re-test process was conducted at each position to determine the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimum detectable change (MDC) per echotype. Images were analyzed using UTC software. Results Plantar grade positioning images could not be obtained. ICCs for each echotype I–IV between test 1 and test 2 were 0.965, 0.962, 0.858, 0.739 at 100% dorsiflexion (95% CI, 0.86–0.99, 0.84–0.99, 0.51–0.97, and 0.2–0.94), and 0.771, 0.551, 0.569, 0.429 at 50% dorsiflexion (95% CI, 0.29–0.94, −0.09–0.88, −0.01–0.88, and −0.15–0.82). The MDC per echotype I–IV ranged between 4.1–1.0% of echotype data at 100% dorsiflexion, and 17.2–6.3% at 50% dorsiflexion. Conclusions Testing at maximum dorsiflexion provided improved reliability when using UTC in healthy individuals. The ICC at 100% dorsiflexion was increased, and the MDC was reduced for all echotypes. Therefore, standardizing test positions when using UTC is advisable for reliable comparison of results between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Lawson
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marika Noorkoiv
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amir A Mohagheghi
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Pereira CS, Santos RCG, Whiteley R, Finni T. Reliability and methodology of quantitative assessment of harvested and unharvested patellar tendons of ACL injured athletes using ultrasound tissue characterization. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2019; 11:12. [PMID: 31360525 PMCID: PMC6639951 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-019-0124-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) imaging has been previously used to describe the characteristics of patellar and Achilles tendons. UTC imaging compares and correlates successive ultrasonographic transverse tendon images to calculate the distribution of four color-coded echo-types that represent different tendon tissue types. However, UTC has not been used to describe the characteristics of patellar tendons after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the intra and inter-rater reliability of the UTC in unharvested and harvested patellar tendons of patients undergoing ACLR. Methods Intra and inter-rater reliability of both UTC data collection and analysis were assessed. Ten harvested and twenty unharvested patellar tendons from eighteen participants were scanned twice by the same examiner. Eleven harvested and ten unharvested patellar tendons from sixteen participants were scanned and analyzed twice by two different examiners. Twenty harvested and nineteen unharvested patellar tendons from twenty-three participants were analyzed twice by two examiners. Results Quantification of the proportion of echo-types I, II, III and IV in the areas of interest: (1) patella apex, (2) proximal tendon, (3) mid tendon, (4) distal tendon, and overall tendon of harvested and unharvested patellar tendons all displayed excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC2,1: 0.94 to 0.99), excellent inter-rater reliability for harvested and unharvested patellar tendon scanning and analysis (ICC2,1: 0.89 to 0.98), and excellent inter-rater reliability for analysis (ICC2,1: 0.95 to 0.99). Intra-rater reliability for the measure of volume was good (ICC2,1: 0.69 harvested, 0.67 unharvested), whilst mixed results were observed for the measure of mid tendon thickness (ICC2,1: 0.88 harvested, 0.57 unharvested). Inter-rater reliability for scanning and analysis was good for volume (ICC2,1: 0.67) and excellent for thickness (ICC2,1: 0.97), while the inter-rater reliability for analysis was fair to poor for volume (ICC2,1: 0.59 harvested, 0.30 unharvested), and excellent to poor for mid tendon thickness (ICC2,1: 0.85 harvested, 0.24 unharvested). Conclusion UTC imaging is a reliable tool to characterize the quality of most aspects of unharvested and harvested patellar tendons in subjects undergoing ACLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S Pereira
- 1ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Sports City Street, Inside Aspire Zone, Al Buwairda St, Doha, PO Box 29222, Qatar.,2Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Rafael C G Santos
- 1ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Sports City Street, Inside Aspire Zone, Al Buwairda St, Doha, PO Box 29222, Qatar
| | - Rod Whiteley
- 1ASPETAR Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Sports City Street, Inside Aspire Zone, Al Buwairda St, Doha, PO Box 29222, Qatar
| | - Taija Finni
- 2Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Biology of Physical Activity, Neuromuscular Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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21
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van Ark M, Rabello LM, Hoevenaars D, Meijerink J, van Gelderen N, Zwerver J, van den Akker-Scheek I. Inter- and intra-rater reliability of ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) in patellar tendons. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 29:1205-1211. [PMID: 31033002 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is used in research and clinical practice to quantify tendon structure of the patellar tendon. This is the first study to investigate the inter- and intra-rater reliability for UTC of the patellar tendon on a large scale. METHOD Fifty participants (25 patellar tendinopathy, 25 asymptomatic) were recruited. The affected patellar tendons in symptomatic and right tendons in asymptomatic participants were scanned with UTC twice by one researcher and once by another. The same was done for contour marking (needed to analyze a UTC scan) of the tendon. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (2,1)) for echo-types I, II, III, IV, aligned fibrillar structure (echo-types I + II), and disorganized structure (echo-types III + IV) were calculated. This was done for UTC scans as well as solely marking contours. RESULTS Inter-rater reliability showed fair to good ICC values for echo-types I (0.65) and II (0.46) and excellent ICC values for echo-type III (0.81), echo-type IV (0.83), aligned fibrillar structure (0.82), and disorganized structure (0.82). Intra-rater reliability showed excellent ICC values for echo-types I (0.76), III (0.88), IV (0.85), aligned fibrillar structure (0.88), and disorganized fibrillar structure (0.88) and a fair to good value for echo-type II (0.61). Contour marking showed excellent ICC values for all echo-types. CONCLUSION This study showed that UTC scans for patellar tendons have overall good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. To optimize reliability of UTC scans of the patellar tendon, using the same rater and using aligned fibrillar structure (echo-types I + II combined) and disorganized structure (echo-types III + IV combined) as outcome measures can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs van Ark
- Department of Physiotherapy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Peescentrum, Centre of Expertise Primary Care Groningen (ECEZG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Maciel Rabello
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Hoevenaars
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Meijerink
- Department of Physiotherapy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Niels van Gelderen
- Department of Physiotherapy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Zwerver
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge van den Akker-Scheek
- Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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22
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Quantification of Achilles and patellar tendon structure on imaging does not enhance ability to predict self-reported symptoms beyond grey-scale ultrasound and previous history. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22:145-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Plevin S, McLellan J, Schie H, Parkin T. Ultrasound tissue characterisation of the superficial digital flexor tendons in juvenile Thoroughbred racehorses during early race training. Equine Vet J 2018; 51:349-355. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.13006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Plevin
- Florida Equine Veterinary Associates Ocala Florida USA
| | - J. McLellan
- Florida Equine Veterinary Associates Ocala Florida USA
| | - H. Schie
- Department of Equine Sciences Utrecht University Utrecht the Netherlands
| | - T. Parkin
- University of Glasgow, School of Veterinary Medicine Glasgow UK
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Rudavsky A, Cook J, Docking S. Quantifying proximal patellar tendon changes during adolescence in elite ballet dancers, a 2-year study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28:2369-2374. [PMID: 29862593 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Patellar tendon pathology appears to develop in young athletes. It is not known how this tendon develops through adolescence. This longitudinal study investigated proximal patellar tendon development during the adolescent growth spurt in young ballet dancers and identified whether puberty (estimated by maturity offset) had an effect on tendon development. Fifty two dancers (32 female and 20 male dancers, ages 11-18 at baseline) had ultrasound images of their tendons every 6 months for 2 years. Changes in tendon size (anterior-posterior diameter) on grayscale images and echogenicity, as quantified using ultrasound tissue characterization, were recorded each time. Maturity offset was calculated used to estimate peak height velocity (adolescent growth spurt). Maturity offset did not affect effect tendon composition before peak height velocity; however, after participants passed peak height velocity, maturity offset increased the composition of stable echopattern (P < .05): a 4% differential increase in type I echopattern, indicative of normal tendon structure, and a decrease in type III echopattern (more disorganized echopattern) by 0.7% per year. Anterior-posterior thickness increased by 0.2 mm/y (P < .05) measured 2 cm below the patella. Following peak height velocity, the proximal patellar tendon attachment increased in thickness and demonstrated a more stable echopattern representative of aligned fibrillar structure. Future research is required to further understand this normal maturation and the factors that support this process, with the aim of reducing the development of patellar tendon pathology in the adolescent jumping athlete.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rudavsky
- Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Department of Orthopedic Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - J Cook
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - S Docking
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Washburn N, Onishi K, Wang JHC. Ultrasound elastography and ultrasound tissue characterisation for tendon evaluation. J Orthop Translat 2018; 15:9-20. [PMID: 30258782 PMCID: PMC6148731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound elastography (UE) and ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) are two newer modes of ultrasound (US) which have begun to attract scientific interests as ways to improve tendon characterisation. These modes of US show early promise in improved diagnostic accuracy, prediction of at-risk tendons and prognostication capability beyond conventional grey-scale US. Here, we provide a review of the literature on UE and UTC for Achilles, patellar and rotator cuff tendons. The translational potential of this article: The present literature indicates that UE and UTC could potentially increase the clinician's ability to accurately diagnose the extent of tendon pathology, including preclinical injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Washburn
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Kaufman Building, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kentaro Onishi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Kaufman Building, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Kaufman Building, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1011, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - James H-C Wang
- MechanoBiology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 210 Lothrop Street, BST, E1640, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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de Sá A, Hart DA, Khan K, Scott A. Achilles tendon structure is negatively correlated with body mass index, but not influenced by statin use: A cross-sectional study using ultrasound tissue characterization. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199645. [PMID: 29928054 PMCID: PMC6013147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Statins are widely used to inhibit cholesterol production in the liver among people with hypercholesterolemia. A recent epidemiological study in the UK has shown that statin use (unlike elevated BMI) is not associated with an increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture. However, because of laboratory reports suggesting a negative influence of statins on tenocyte metabolism, we decided to directly compare the Achilles tendon structure (cross-sectional area and longitudinal collagen organization) in regular statin users compared to non-users. Methods We conducted ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) of the Achilles tendon in statin users and a comparison group of similar age and gender. Statin users and control participants were recruited from May 10 2015 to February 17 2017 through a cardiovascular health centre and from the general community. Cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon and longitudinal collagen organization (% type I echoes) were assessed using quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization by a blinded observer at a predetermined location (2 cm proximal to the calcaneus). Results Sixty-six individuals who were either taking statins for at least one year (ST, n = 33) or a comparison group who had never taken statins (CG, n = 33) were included in the study. The Achilles tendon cross-sectional area (ST 59.7 (13) mm2, CG 59.9 (8.5) mm2) and proportion of echo-type I patterns [ST 70 (10)%, CG 74 (13)%] were equivalent in the two groups. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between BMI (rs = -0.25, p = 0.042) and type I echo values. Obese individuals demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of type I echoes (62 (11)%) than individuals of normal body mass index (73 (10)% p<0.05). Conclusion These findings demonstrate that there is no evidence of a negative statin influence on Achilles tendon structure. Given earlier reports that the risk of Achilles injury is equivalent in statin users and non-users, weightbearing exercise may be prescribed without placing the Achilles tendon at a higher risk of injury than among the general population. The results of this study are consistent with the known negative effects of elevated BMI on tendon structure, suggesting that an assessment of the Achilles tendons prior to prescribing weightbearing exercise may be prudent in obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnetha de Sá
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David A. Hart
- McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Karim Khan
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alexander Scott
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Wezenbeek E, Willems T, Mahieu N, De Muynck M, Vanden Bossche L, Steyaert A, De Clercq D, Witvrouw E. The Role of the Vascular and Structural Response to Activity in the Development of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Prospective Study. Am J Sports Med 2018; 46:947-954. [PMID: 29373799 DOI: 10.1177/0363546517750854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several risk factors have been suggested in the development of Achilles tendinopathy, but large-scale prospective studies are limited. PURPOSE To investigate the role of the vascular response to activity of the Achilles tendon, tendon thickness, ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) of tendon structure, and foot posture as possible risk factors in the development of Achilles tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS The study began with 351 first-year students at Ghent University. After 51 students were excluded, 300 were tested in the academic years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 and were followed prospectively for 2 consecutive years by use of a multilevel registration method. Of those, 250 students were included in the statistical analysis. At baseline, foot posture index and UTC were investigated bilaterally. Blood flow and tendon thickness were measured before and after a running activity. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify significant contributors to the development of Achilles tendinopathy. RESULTS During the 2-year follow-up, 27 of the included 250 participants developed Achilles tendinopathy (11%). Significant predictive effects were found for female sex and blood flow response after running ( P = .022 and P = .019, respectively). The risk of developing Achilles tendinopathy increased if the blood flow increase after running was reduced, regardless of sex, foot pronation, and timing of flow measurements. The model had a predictive accuracy of 81.5% regarding the development of Achilles tendinopathy, with a specificity of 85.0% and a sensitivity of 50.0%. CONCLUSION This prospective study identified both female sex and the diminished blood flow response after running as significant risk factors for the development of Achilles tendinopathy. UTC of tendon structure, Achilles tendon thickness, and foot posture did not significantly contribute to the prediction of Achilles tendinopathy. A general evaluation of tendon structure by UTC, measurement of tendon thickness, or determination of the foot posture index will not allow clinicians to identify patients at risk for developing Achilles tendinopathy. Furthermore, it may be possible to improve blood flow after activity by using noninvasive techniques (such as prostaglandins, compression stockings, heat, massage, and vibration techniques). These techniques may be useful in the prevention and management of Achilles tendinopathy, but further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evi Wezenbeek
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tine Willems
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Mahieu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martine De Muynck
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Vanden Bossche
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adelheid Steyaert
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk De Clercq
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erik Witvrouw
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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