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Khatun Z, Jónsson H, Tsirilaki M, Maffulli N, Oliva F, Daval P, Tortorella F, Gargiulo P. Beyond pixel: Superpixel-based MRI segmentation through traditional machine learning and graph convolutional network. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 256:108398. [PMID: 39236562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Tendon segmentation is crucial for studying tendon-related pathologies like tendinopathy, tendinosis, etc. This step further enables detailed analysis of specific tendon regions using automated or semi-automated methods. This study specifically aims at the segmentation of Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the human body. METHODS This study proposes a comprehensive end-to-end tendon segmentation module composed of a preliminary superpixel-based coarse segmentation preceding the final segmentation task. The final segmentation results are obtained through two distinct approaches. In the first approach, the coarsely generated superpixels are subjected to classification using Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers to classify whether each superpixel belongs to a tendon class or not (resulting in tendon segmentation). In the second approach, the arrangements of superpixels are converted to graphs instead of being treated as conventional image grids. This classification process uses a graph-based convolutional network (GCN) to determine whether each superpixel corresponds to a tendon class or not. RESULTS All experiments are conducted on a custom-made ankle MRI dataset. The dataset comprises 76 subjects and is divided into two sets: one for training (Dataset 1, trained and evaluated using leave-one-group-out cross-validation) and the other as unseen test data (Dataset 2). Using our first approach, the final test AUC (Area Under the ROC Curve) scores using RF and SVM classifiers on the test data (Dataset 2) are 0.992 and 0.987, respectively, with sensitivities of 0.904 and 0.966. On the other hand, using our second approach (GCN-based node classification), the AUC score for the test set is 0.933 with a sensitivity of 0.899. CONCLUSIONS Our proposed pipeline demonstrates the efficacy of employing superpixel generation as a coarse segmentation technique for the final tendon segmentation. Whether utilizing RF, SVM-based superpixel classification, or GCN-based classification for tendon segmentation, our system consistently achieves commendable AUC scores, especially the non-graph-based approach. Given the limited dataset, our graph-based method did not perform as well as non-graph-based superpixel classifications; however, the results obtained provide valuable insights into how well the models can distinguish between tendons and non-tendons. This opens up opportunities for further exploration and improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakia Khatun
- Department of Information and Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy; Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Halldór Jónsson
- Department of Orthopaedics, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mariella Tsirilaki
- Department of Radiology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University Hospital Sant'Andrea, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy; School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine, Keele University, ST4 7QB Stoke on Trent, England; Queen Mary University of London, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Mile End Hospital, London, England
| | - Francesco Oliva
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pauline Daval
- Biomedical Department, École Polytechnique Universitaire d'Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Francesco Tortorella
- Department of Information and Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paolo Gargiulo
- Institute of Biomedical and Neural Engineering, Department of Engineering, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Science, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
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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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Burton I. Autoregulation in Resistance Training for Lower Limb Tendinopathy: A Potential Method for Addressing Individual Factors, Intervention Issues, and Inadequate Outcomes. Front Physiol 2021; 12:704306. [PMID: 34421641 PMCID: PMC8375597 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.704306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders, such as tendinopathy, are placing an increasing burden on society and health systems. Tendinopathy accounts for up to 30% of musculoskeletal disorders, with a high incidence in athletes and the general population. Although resistance training has shown short-term effectiveness in the treatment of lower limb tendinopathy, more comprehensive exercise protocols and progression methods are required due to poor long-term outcomes. The most common resistance training protocols are predetermined and standardized, which presents significant limitations. Current standardized protocols do not adhere to scientific resistance training principles, consider individual factors, or take the importance of individualized training into account. Resistance training programs in case of tendinopathy are currently not achieving the required intensity and dosage, leading to high recurrence rates. Therefore, better methods for individualizing and progressing resistance training are required to improve outcomes. One potential method is autoregulation, which allows individuals to progress training at their own rate, taking individual factors into account. Despite the finding of their effectiveness in increasing the strength of healthy athletes, autoregulation methods have not been investigated in case of tendinopathy. The purpose of this narrative review was 3-fold: firstly, to give an overview and a critical analysis of the individual factors involved in tendinopathy and current resistance training protocols and their limitations. Secondly, to give an overview of the history, methods, and application of autoregulation strategies both in sports performance and physiotherapy. Finally, a theoretical adaptation of a current tendinopathy resistance training protocol using autoregulation methods is presented, providing an example of how the method could be implemented in clinical practice or future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Burton
- National Health Service (NHS) Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Burton I, McCormack A. The implementation of resistance training principles in exercise interventions for lower limb tendinopathy: A systematic review. Phys Ther Sport 2021; 50:97-113. [PMID: 33965702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary purpose of this systematic review is to examine the literature on resistance training interventions for lower limb tendinopathy to evaluate the proportion of interventions that implemented key resistance training principles (specificity, progression, overload, individualisation) and reported relevant prescription components (frequency, intensity, sets, repetitions) and reported intervention adherence. METHODS Two reviewers performed a systematic review after screening titles and abstracts based on eligibility criteria. Identified papers were obtained in full text, with data extracted regarding the implementation of resistance training principles. Included articles were evaluated by the Cochrane risk of bias tool, with a scoring tool out of 10 used for implementation and reporting of the 5 key principles. Scientific databases were searched in November 2020 and included Medline, CINAHL, AMED, and Sportsdiscus. RESULTS 52 randomised controlled trials investigating resistance training in five different lower limb tendinopathies were included. Although most studies considered the principles of progression (92%) and individualisation (88%), only 19 studies (37%) appropriately described how this progression in resistance was achieved, and only 18 studies (35%) reported specific instruction on how individualisation was applied. Adherence was considered in 27 studies (52%), with only 17 studies (33%) reporting the levels of adherence. In the scoring criteria, only 5 studies (10%) achieved a total maximum score of 10, with 17 studies (33%) achieving a maximum score of 8 for implementing and reporting the principles of specificity, overload, progression and individualisation. CONCLUSION There is meaningful variability and methodological concerns regarding the application and reporting of resistance training principles, particularly progression and individualisation, along with intervention adherence throughout studies. Collectively, these findings have important implications for the prescription of current resistance training interventions, including the design and implementation of future interventions for populations with lower limb tendinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Burton
- MSK Service, Fraserburgh Physiotherapy Department, Fraserburgh Hospital, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
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Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J'Bari A, Prior T, Griffiths IB, Rathleff MS, Gulle H, Vicenzino B, Barton CJ. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med 2021; 55:1106-1118. [PMID: 33785535 PMCID: PMC8458083 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective To develop a best practice guide for managing people with plantar heel pain (PHP). Methods Mixed-methods design including systematic review, expert interviews and patient survey. Data sources Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, trial registries, reference lists and citation tracking. Semi-structured interviews with world experts and a patient survey. Eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating any intervention for people with PHP in any language were included subject to strict quality criteria. Trials with a sample size greater than n=38 were considered for proof of efficacy. International experts were interviewed using a semi-structured approach and people with PHP were surveyed online. Results Fifty-one eligible trials enrolled 4351 participants, with 9 RCTs suitable to determine proof of efficacy for 10 interventions. Forty people with PHP completed the online survey and 14 experts were interviewed resulting in 7 themes and 38 subthemes. There was good agreement between the systematic review findings and interview data about taping (SMD: 0.47, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.88) and plantar fascia stretching (SMD: 1.21, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.63) for first step pain in the short term. Clinical reasoning advocated combining these interventions with education and footwear advice as the core self-management approach. There was good expert agreement with systematic review findings recommending stepped care management with focused shockwave for first step pain in the short-term (OR: 1.89, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.04), medium-term (SMD 1.31, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.01) and long-term (SMD 1.67, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.45) and radial shockwave for first step pain in the short term (OR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.76) and long term (OR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.96). We found good agreement to ‘step care’ using custom foot orthoses for general pain in the short term (SMD: 0.41, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.74) and medium term (SMD: 0.55, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.02). Conclusion Best practice from a mixed-methods study synthesising systematic review with expert opinion and patient feedback suggests core treatment for people with PHP should include taping, stretching and individualised education. Patients who do not optimally improve may be offered shockwave therapy, followed by custom orthoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Morrissey
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK .,Physiotherapy Department, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Matthew Cotchett
- Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics and Orthotics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ahmed Said J'Bari
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Trevor Prior
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ian B Griffiths
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael Skovdal Rathleff
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Halime Gulle
- Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Bill Vicenzino
- University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Physiotherapy, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christian J Barton
- Department of Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics and Orthotics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Millar NL, Murrell GAC, Kirwan P. Time to put down the scalpel? The role of surgery in tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med 2019; 54:441-442. [PMID: 31653777 PMCID: PMC7146938 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neal L Millar
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - George A C Murrell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of New South Wales-St George Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Kirwan
- School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Physiotherapy Department, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown, Ireland
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Challoumas D, Clifford C, Kirwan P, Millar NL. How does surgery compare to sham surgery or physiotherapy as a treatment for tendinopathy? A systematic review of randomised trials. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2019; 5:e000528. [PMID: 31191975 PMCID: PMC6539146 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the effectiveness of surgery on all tendinopathies by comparing it to no treatment, sham surgery and exercise-based therapies for both mid-term (12 months) and long-term (> 12 months) outcomes. Methods Our literature search included EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL and Scopus. A combined assessment of internal validity, external validity and precision of each eligible study yielded its overall study quality. Results were considered significant if they were based on strong (Level 1) or moderate (Level 2) evidence. Results 12 studies were eligible. Participants had the following types of tendinopathy: shoulder in seven studies, lateral elbow in three, patellar in one and Achilles in one. Two studies were of good, four of moderate and six of poor overall quality. Surgery was superior to no treatment or placebo, for the outcomes of pain, function, range of movement (ROM) and treatment success in the short and midterm. Surgery had similar effects to sham surgery on pain, function and range of motion in the midterm. Physiotherapy was as effective as surgery both in the midterm and long term for pain, function, ROM and tendon force, and pain, treatment success and quality of life, respectively. Conclusion We recommend that healthcare professionals who treat tendinopathy encourage patients to comply with loading exercise treatment for at least 12 months before the option of surgery is seriously entertained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Challoumas
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Clifford
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Physiotherapy, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Kirwan
- School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Physiotherapy Department, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown, Ireland
| | - Neal L Millar
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Zhu L, Bai J, Chen Y, Xue D. Effects of a clinical pathway on antibiotic use in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a multi-site study in China. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:471. [PMID: 30231869 PMCID: PMC6146630 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common condition with high mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine whether clinical pathway (CP) implementation in different hospitals in China increased antibiotic compliance with the national CP in inpatients with CAP. METHODS Chart reviews of CAP cases were conducted in 18 public hospitals from 3 different regions of China in 2015. Chi-square tests and the t-test were used to compare differences between hospitals that implemented CP (CP group) and those that did not (non-CP group). Multivariate logistic analysis was adopted to test whether CP implementation for CAP in hospitals affected their overall antibiotic use compliance rates with the national CP for CAP. RESULTS The overall compliance rate with the national CP for inpatients with CAP was 43.69%. The compliance rates for timely initial antibiotic use, recommended antibiotic use and use of the recommended combination of antibiotics and the overall compliance rate were substantially higher in the CP group than in the non-CP group. A multivariate logistic model for overall compliance in inpatients with CAP showed that the hospitals in the CP group had greater overall compliance than those in the non-CP group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-2.71) after controlling for hospital and inpatient characteristics. CONCLUSION In China, the overall compliance rate with the national CP for inpatients with CAP was low, but inpatients with CAP in the hospitals in the CP group received antibiotics more concordantly with the national CP. Since adherence to evidence-based care has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, internal and external support from hospitals is required to facilitate CP implementation for inpatients with CAP. Additionally, governmental commitment, hospital input and population involvement are required to improve antibiotic utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Department of Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Bai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Department of Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongcong Chen
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Department of Hospital Management, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
Patients presenting with pain at the tendon, which is associated with physical tasks and activities that specifically load that tendon, are at the center of this special issue. The current terminology for a symptomatic tendon presentation is tendinopathy, as this does not denote an underlying pathology, but rather signals that all is not well in the tendon. Tendinopathy is a prevalent and substantial problem, as it interferes with a person's capacity to lead a physically active and healthy life, which has a considerable flow-on effect on society in general. This issue deals with the contemporary physical therapy management of tendinopathy by providing a mix of evidence review and clinical expert opinion on commonly presenting tendinopathies of the lower and upper limbs. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):816-818. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0110.
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