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Albano D, Basile M, Gitto S, Messina C, Longo S, Fusco S, Snoj Z, Gianola S, Bargeri S, Castellini G, Sconfienza LM. Shear-wave elastography for the evaluation of tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2024; 129:107-117. [PMID: 37907673 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-023-01732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare pathologic and healthy tendons using shear-wave elastography (SWE). METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis was done searching Pubmed and EMBASE up to September 2022. Prospective, retrospective and cross-sectional studies that used SWE in the assessment of pathologic tendons versus control were included. Our primary outcome were SWE velocity (m/s) and stiffness (kPa). Methodological quality was assessed by the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS). We used the mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to quantify effects between groups. We performed sensitivity analysis in case of high heterogeneity, after excluding poor quality studies according to MINORS assessment. We used Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation to evaluate the certainty of evidence (CoE). RESULTS Overall, 16 studies with 676 pathologic tendons (188 Achilles, 142 patellar, 96 supraspinatus, 250 mixed) and 723 control tendons (484 healthy; 239 contralateral tendon) were included. Five studies (31.3%) were judged as poor methodological quality. Shear-wave velocity and stiffness meta-analyses showed high heterogeneity. According to a sensitivity analysis, pathologic tendons had a lower shear wave velocity (MD of - 1.69 m/s; 95% CI 1.85; - 1.52; n = 274; I2 50%) compared to healthy tendons with very low CoE. Sensitivity analysis on stiffness still showed high heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Pathological tendons may have reduced SWE velocity compared to controls, but the evidence is very uncertain. Future robust high-quality longitudinal studies and clear technical indications on the use of this tool are needed. PROTOCOL PROSPERO identifier: CRD42023405410 CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: SWE is a relatively recent modality that may increase sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of conventional ultrasound imaging promoting early detection of tendinopathy. Non-negligible heterogeneity has been observed in included studies, so our findings may encourage the conduct of future high-quality longitudinal studies which can provide clear technical indications on the use of this promising tool in tendon imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Albano
- Unità Operativa di Radiologia Diagnostica ed Interventistica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Cristina Belgioioso 173, 20157, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Mariachiara Basile
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gitto
- Unità Operativa di Radiologia Diagnostica ed Interventistica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Cristina Belgioioso 173, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Messina
- Unità Operativa di Radiologia Diagnostica ed Interventistica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Cristina Belgioioso 173, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Longo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Fusco
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ziga Snoj
- Clinical Radiology Institute, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine - Department of Radiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Silvia Gianola
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bargeri
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Castellini
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Sconfienza
- Unità Operativa di Radiologia Diagnostica ed Interventistica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Cristina Belgioioso 173, 20157, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Crawford SK, Thelen D, Yakey JM, Heiderscheit BC, Wilson JJ, Lee KS. Regional shear wave elastography of Achilles tendinopathy in symptomatic versus contralateral Achilles tendons. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:720-729. [PMID: 35760909 PMCID: PMC9771859 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08957-3] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ultrasound often corroborates clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Traditional measures assess macromorphological features or use qualitative grading scales, primarily focused within the free tendon. Shear wave imaging can non-invasively quantify tendon elasticity, yet it is unknown if proximal structures are affected by tendon pathology. The purpose of the study was to determine the characteristics of both traditional sonographic measures and regional shear wave speed (SWS) between limbs in patients with AT. METHODS Twenty patients with chronic AT were recruited. Traditional sonographic measures of tendon structure were measured. Regional SWS was collected in a resting ankle position along the entire length of the tendon bilaterally. SWS measures were extracted and interpolated across evenly distributed points corresponding to the free tendon (FT), soleus aponeurosis (SA), and gastrocnemius aponeurosis (GA). Comparisons were made between limbs in both traditional sonographic measures and regional SWS. RESULTS Symptomatic tendons were thicker (10.2 (1.9) vs. 6.8 (1.8) mm; p < 0.001) and had more hyperemia (p = 0.001) and hypoechogenicity (p = 0.002) than the contralateral tendon. Regional SWS in the FT was lower in the symptomatic limb compared to the contralateral limb (11.53 [10.99, 12.07] vs. 10.97 [10.43, 11.51]; p = 0.03). No differences between limbs were found for the SA (p = 0.13) or GA (p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Lower SWS was only observed in the FT in AT patients, indicating that alterations in tendon elasticity associated with AT were localized to the FT and did not involve the proximal passive tendon structures. KEY POINTS • Baseline characteristics of a pilot sample of 20 subjects suffering from chronic Achilles tendinopathy showed differences in conventional sonographic measures of tendon thickness, qualitatively assessed hypoechogenicity, hyperemia, and quantitative measures of shear wave speed. • Regional shear wave speeds were lower in the free tendon but not in the proximal regions of the soleus or gastrocnemius aponeuroses in Achilles tendinopathy patients. • Using shear wave imaging to estimate tendon stiffness may prove beneficial for clinical validation studies to address important topics such as return to activity and the effectiveness of rehabilitation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott K Crawford
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Darryl Thelen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Janice M Yakey
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, E3/311, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Bryan C Heiderscheit
- Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Badger Athletic Performance Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - John J Wilson
- Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kenneth S Lee
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, E3/311, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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The Cincinnati incision is safe and effective for revision surgery for insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6653. [PMID: 35459801 PMCID: PMC9033808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10730-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study reports the outcomes of revision surgery using a Cincinnati incision with tendon debridement and calcaneoplasty for insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) in a cohort of patients at 24-month follow-up. Patients undergoing revision surgery following failed previous surgery for IAT were prospectively recruited. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 3, 6,12 and 24 months. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Achilles Tendinopathy (VISA-A), the EQ5D questionnaire and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for evaluation. Data from 33 patients with a mean age of 43.9 years old are reported. 27% (9 of 33 patients) were female. The left side was involved in 58% (19/33) of patients. No clinically relevant complications were reported in any of the patients. Most of subscales of EQ5D improved at last follow-up: Usual Activities (P = 0.01), Mobility (P = 0.03), Pain/Discomfort (P = 0.001), Thermometer (P = 0.04). No statistically significant change for the subscales Self-Care (P = 0.08) and Anxiety-Depression (P = 0.1) was evidenced. The VISA-A score improved significantly at last follow-up (P < 0.0001), as did the VAS score (P < 0.0001). These results indicated that a Cincinnati incision followed by tendon debridement and calcaneoplasty for revision surgery for IAT is feasible and reliable, achieving clinically relevant improvement in the VISA-A, EQ5D and VAS at 24 months follow-up.
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Merkel MFR, Hellsten Y, Magnusson SP, Kjaer M. Tendon blood flow, angiogenesis, and tendinopathy pathogenesis. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Max Flemming Ravn Merkel
- Institute of Sports Medicine Department of Orthopedic Surgery Copenhagen University Hospital ‐ Bispebjerg‐Frederiksberg University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Ylva Hellsten
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Stig Peter Magnusson
- Institute of Sports Medicine Department of Orthopedic Surgery Copenhagen University Hospital ‐ Bispebjerg‐Frederiksberg University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging Department of Clinical Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine Department of Orthopedic Surgery Copenhagen University Hospital ‐ Bispebjerg‐Frederiksberg University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging Department of Clinical Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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Lalumiere M, Perrino S, Nadeau MJ, Larivière C, Lamontagne M, Desmeules F, H. Gagnon D. To What Extent Do Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Biomarkers Relate to Pain, Flexibility, Strength, and Function in Individuals With Chronic Symptomatic Achilles Tendinopathy? FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2021; 2:726313. [PMID: 36188777 PMCID: PMC9397971 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.726313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a chronic musculoskeletal pathology best evaluated by ultrasound imaging. This cross-sectional study aimed at better understanding the relationship between musculoskeletal ultrasound biomarkers (MUBs) of Achilles tendon and localized pain, ankle flexibility, ankle strength, and functional abilities. Method: Forty-one participants with unilateral midportion chronic AT had their tendon images analyzed bilaterally in the longitudinal and transverse planes. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) assessed pain and function, respectively, during standing and walking-related activities. Ankle flexibility was evaluated by weight-bearing lunge tests, while ankle isometric peak strength was measured using an instrumented dynamometer. Achilles tendon ultrasonographic images were analyzed using geometric (thickness), composition (echogenicity), and texture (homogeneity) MUBs. Discriminative validity was evaluated using paired Student's t-tests to compare MUBs between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides. Predictive validity was evaluated by computing the Pearson product-moment correlations coefficient between MUBs and pain, ankle flexibility, ankle strength, and function. Results: Significant differences were found in MUBs between the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides, confirming the discriminative validity of the selected MUBs. On the symptomatic side, thickness was found 29.9% higher (p < 0.001), echogenicity 9.6% lower (p < 0.001), and homogeneity 3.8% higher (p = 0.001) when compared with the asymptomatic side. However, predictive validity was scarcely confirmed, as most of the correlation coefficients were found negligible for the associations investigated between MUBs with localized pain, ankle flexibility, strength, and function. Only 14 statistically significant low to moderate associations were found, with negative and positive correlations ranging between −0.31 and −0.55 and between 0.34 and 0.54, respectively. Discussion: Musculoskeletal ultrasound biomarkers have a clinical utility in visualizing in vivo tendon integrity and diagnosing AT. MUBs should be valued as part of a comprehensive neuro-musculoskeletal assessment as they complement pain, flexibility, strength, and function measures. Altogether, they may inform the development and monitoring of a personalized rehabilitation treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Lalumiere
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Perrino
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Christian Larivière
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - François Desmeules
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CRHMR), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dany H. Gagnon
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Dany H. Gagnon orcid.org/0000-0003-3464-4667
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Gatz M, Schweda S, Betsch M, Dirrichs T, de la Fuente M, Reinhardt N, Quack V. Line- and Point-Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Placebo-Controlled RCT Study. Sports Health 2021; 13:511-518. [PMID: 33586526 PMCID: PMC8404720 DOI: 10.1177/1941738121991791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a widely considered treatment option for Achilles tendinopathy. Line-focused ESWT is a novel technique treating a larger tendon area than point-focused ESWT. Monitoring capacities of clinical symptoms with ultrasound under ESWT treatment are unknown. Hypothesis: Point- and line-focused ESWT have a superior outcome than placebo ESWT. ESWT leads to morphological tendon changes detectable with ultrasound. Study Design: Single-blinded placebo-controlled randomized contolled trial. Level of Evidence: Level 1. Methods: The study was conducted in 3 cohorts, namely ESWT point (n = 21), ESWT line (n = 24), and ESWT placebo (n = 21). Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) score was measured before the intervention (T0), after 6 weeks (T1), and after 24 weeks (T2). All cohorts performed daily physiotherapy for 24 weeks and received 4 sessions of point-focused, line-focused, or placebo ESWT in the first 6 weeks. Ultrasound was performed with B-mode, power Doppler, shear wave elastography (SWE) at T0 and T2 and with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) at T0, T1, and T2. Data were analyzed with a mixed analysis of variance and t test. Results: There was a significant VISA-A improvement over time for all groups (P < 0.001). ESWT point had the strongest VISA-A score improvement +23 (ESWT line: +18; ESWT placebo: +15), but there was no significant interaction between time and any of the groups: F(4, 116) = 1.393; P = 0.24. UTC, power Doppler, and B-mode could not show significant alterations over time. SWE revealed a significant increase of elastic properties for ESWT point in the insertion (t = −3.113, P = 0.03) and midportion (t = −2.627, P = 0.02) over time. Conclusion: There is a significant VISA-A score improvement for all study groups without a statistically significant benefit for ESWT point or ESWT line compared with ESWT placebo. Tendon adaptation could only be detected with SWE for ESWT point. Clinical Relevance: The present study could not detect any statistically relevant effect of ESWT compared to placebo. SWE is able to demonstrate tendon adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gatz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schweda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen, Germany
| | - Marcel Betsch
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen, Germany
| | - Timm Dirrichs
- Department of Radiology, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Nina Reinhardt
- Chair of Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Valentin Quack
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Aachen, Germany
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Partial Achilles Tendon Rupture-A Neglected Entity: A Narrative Literature Review on Diagnostics and Treatment Options. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103380. [PMID: 33096900 PMCID: PMC7589987 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Partial ruptures in the Achilles tendon are rather uncommon and are often misinterpreted as aggravated Achilles tendinopathy, and not always considered as a differential diagnosis. The aim of this literature review was to characterize typical symptoms, to provide an overview of available diagnosis and treatment options, and to give reference points for future research. There were few studies and sparse knowledge of scientific value, making it difficult to give evidence-based recommendations. Based on the few studies and the authors’ clinical experience, a diagnosis should be based on a patient’s history with a typical sharp onset of pain and inability to fully load the tendon. Previous intratendinous cortisone injections might be present. Clinical findings are a localized tender region in the tendon and often weakness during heel raises. Ultrasound and Doppler examinations show a region with an irregular and bulging superficial tendon line, often together with localized high blood flow. Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) shows a hyperintense signal in the tendon on T1 and T2-weighted sequences. First-line therapy should be a conservative approach using a 2 cm heel lift for the first 6 weeks and avoiding tendon stretching (for 12 weeks). This is followed by a reduced heel lift of 1 cm and progressive tendon loading at weeks 7–12. After 12 weeks, the heel lift can be removed if pain-free, and the patient can gradually start eccentric exercises lowering the heel below floor level and gradually returning to previous sport level. If conservative management has a poor effect, surgical exploration and the excision of the partial rupture and suturing is required. Augmentation procedures or anchor applications might be useful for partial ruptures in the Achilles insertion, but this depends on the size and exact location. After surgery, the 12 to 14-week rehabilitation program used in conservative management can be recommended before the patient’s return to full tendon loading activities.
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