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Mikkelsen P, Andersen A, Shih HJS, Rowley KM, Kulig K. Flexor hallucis longus tendon morphology in dancers clinically diagnosed with tendinopathy. J Ultrasound 2024; 27:41-49. [PMID: 37356071 PMCID: PMC10908900 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-023-00793-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The unique demands of dance technique make dancers more prone to certain pathologies especially of the foot and ankle. Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendinopathy, colloquially known as "dancer's tendinopathy," is common in dancers and not well studied. The purpose of this study was to assess if morphological alterations in tendon structure occur as an adaptive response to dance activity by comparing the FHL tendon in dancers to non-dancers, and if pathology further alters tendon morphology in dancers clinically diagnosed with tendinopathy. METHODS Three groups of ten participants were recruited (healthy non-dancers, healthy dancers, and dancers with FHL tendinopathy). Ultrasound images of the FHL tendons were analyzed for macromorphology by measuring the tendon thickness. The micromorphology was analyzed by determining the peak spatial frequency radius of the tendon. Our study did find increased tendon proper and composite tendon thickness in dancers with tendinopathy but no difference between asymptomatic dancers and non-dancers. RESULTS There was no significant difference in micromorphology found between any of the groups. As expected, dancers with tendinopathy demonstrated increased composite tendon and tendon proper thickness however, there was no evidence of adaptive thickening of the FHL tendon as might be expected for the dance population. There was also no evidence of micromorphological changes in the presence of clinically diagnosed FHL tendinopathy. CONCLUSION Because of the limited normative data for this pathology, these results can help improve diagnosis and therefore treatment for dancers to decrease the impact of this injury on their careers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Mikkelsen
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St #155, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Alyssa Andersen
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St #155, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Hai-Jung Steffi Shih
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St #155, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - K Michael Rowley
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St #155, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Kinesiology Department, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Kornelia Kulig
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St #155, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
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Huegel J, Nuss CA, Chan PYW, Cheema AN, Kuntz AF, Soslowsky LJ. Chronic Nicotine Exposure Minimally Affects Rat Supraspinatus Tendon Properties and Bone Microstructure. Ann Biomed Eng 2021; 49:1333-1341. [PMID: 33145676 PMCID: PMC8062272 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02667-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is the largest cause of preventable deaths, and a known risk factor for musculoskeletal issues including rotator cuff tendon tears. Tendon degeneration is believed to be due in part to changes in tendon cell health and collagen structure. Several studies have demonstrated that exposure to nicotine negatively impacts tendon healing, but surprisingly, nicotine exposure was shown to increase rat supraspinatus tendon stiffness. In order to address this seeming contradiction, the objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the effects of long-term (18 weeks) exposure of nicotine on tendon-to-bone microstructural properties in a rat model. We hypothesized that long term subcutaneous nicotine delivery would lead to diminished tendon mechanical properties, decreased bone microstructure in the humeral head, and altered tendon cell morphology compared to age-matched control rats receiving saline. Results demonstrated a small decrease in tendon size and stiffness, with decreased cell density in the tendon midsubstance. However, no differences were found in the enthesis fibrocartilage or in the underlying subchondral or trabecular bone. In conclusion, our study revealed limited effects of nicotine on the homeostatic condition of the supraspinatus tendon, enthesis, and underlying bone. Future studies are needed to ascertain effects of other components of tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Huegel
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6081, USA
| | - Courtney A Nuss
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6081, USA
| | - Peter Y W Chan
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6081, USA
| | - Adnan N Cheema
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6081, USA
| | - Andrew F Kuntz
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6081, USA
| | - Louis J Soslowsky
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, 3450 Hamilton Walk, 371 Stemmler Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6081, USA.
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Sun M, Luo EY, Adams SM, Adams T, Ye Y, Shetye SS, Soslowsky LJ, Birk DE. Collagen XI regulates the acquisition of collagen fibril structure, organization and functional properties in tendon. Matrix Biol 2020; 94:77-94. [PMID: 32950601 PMCID: PMC7722227 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Collagen XI is a fibril-forming collagen that regulates collagen fibrillogenesis. Collagen XI is normally associated with collagen II-containing tissues such as cartilage, but it also is expressed broadly during development in collagen I-containing tissues, including tendons. The goals of this study are to define the roles of collagen XI in regulation of tendon fibrillar structure and the relationship to function. A conditional Col11a1-null mouse model was created to permit the spatial and temporal manipulation of Col11a1 expression. We hypothesize that collagen XI functions to regulate fibril assembly, organization and, therefore, tendon function. Previous work using cho mice with ablated Col11a1 alleles supported roles for collagen XI in tendon fibril assembly. Homozygous cho/cho mice have a perinatal lethal phenotype that limited the studies. To circumvent this, a conditional Col11a1flox/flox mouse model was created where exon 3 was flanked with loxP sites. Breeding with Scleraxis-Cre (Scx-Cre) mice yielded a tendon-specific Col11a1-null mouse line, Col11a1Δten/Δten. Col11a1flox/flox mice had no phenotype compared to wild type C57BL/6 mice and other control mice, e.g., Col11a1flox/flox and Scx-Cre. Col11a1flox/flox mice expressed Col11a1 mRNA at levels comparable to wild type and Scx-Cre mice. In contrast, in Col11a1Δten/Δten mice, Col11a1 mRNA expression decreased to baseline in flexor digitorum longus tendons (FDL). Collagen XI protein expression was absent in Col11a1Δten/Δten FDLs, and at ~50% in Col11a1+/Δten compared to controls. Phenotypically, Col11a1Δten/Δten mice had significantly decreased body weights (p < 0.001), grip strengths (p < 0.001), and with age developed gait impairment becoming hypomobile. In the absence of Col11a1, the tendon collagen fibrillar matrix was abnormal when analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. Reducing Col11a1 and, therefore collagen XI content, resulted in abnormal fibril structure, loss of normal fibril diameter control with a significant shift to small diameters and disrupted parallel alignment of fibrils. These alterations in matrix structure were observed in developing (day 4), maturing (day 30) and mature (day 60) mice. Altering the time of knockdown using inducible I-Col11a1−/− mice indicated that the primary regulatory foci for collagen XI was in development. In mature Col11a1Δten/Δten FDLs a significant decrease in the biomechanical properties was observed. The decrease in maximum stress and modulus suggest that fundamental differences in the material properties in the absence of Col11a1 expression underlie the mechanical deficiencies. These data demonstrate an essential role for collagen XI in regulation of tendon fibril assembly and organization occurring primarily during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Eric Y Luo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Sheila M Adams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Thomas Adams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA
| | - Yaping Ye
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Snehal S Shetye
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Louis J Soslowsky
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - David E Birk
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612 USA; McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall, 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA.
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Cassel M, Risch L, Mayer F, Kaplick H, Engel A, Kulig K, Bashford G. Achilles tendon morphology assessed using image based spatial frequency analysis is altered among healthy elite adolescent athletes compared to recreationally active controls. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22:882-886. [PMID: 31000456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although expected, tendon adaptations in adolescent elite athletes have been underreported. Morphologically, adaptations may occur by an increase in collagen fiber density and/or organization. These characteristics can be captured using spatial frequency parameters extracted from ultrasound images. This study aims to compare Achilles tendon (AT) morphology among sports-specific cohorts of elite adolescent athletes and to compare these findings to recreationally active controls by use of spatial frequency analysis. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. METHOD In total, 334 healthy adolescent athletes from four sport categories (ball, combat, endurance, explosive strength) and 35 healthy controls were included. Longitudinal ultrasound scans were performed at the AT insertion and midportion. Intra-tendinous-morphology was quantified by performing spatial frequency analysis assessing eight parameters at standardized ROIs. Increased values in five parameters suggest a higher structural organization, and in two parameters higher fiber density. One parameter represents a quotient combining both organization and fiber density. RESULTS Among athletes, only ball sport athletes exhibited an increase in one summative parameter at pre-insertion site compared to athletes from other sport categories. When compared to athletes, controls had significantly higher values of four parameters at pre-insertion and three parameters at midportion site reflecting differences in both, fiber organization and density. CONCLUSIONS Intra-tendinous-morphology was similar in all groups of adolescent athletes. Higher values found in non-athletes might suggest higher AT fiber density and organization. It is yet unclear whether the lesser structural organization in young athletes represents initial AT pathology, or a physiological adaptive response at the fiber cross-linking level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cassel
- University Outpatient Clinic, Dept. Sports Medicine, University of Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Lucie Risch
- University Outpatient Clinic, Dept. Sports Medicine, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Frank Mayer
- University Outpatient Clinic, Dept. Sports Medicine, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hannes Kaplick
- University Outpatient Clinic, Dept. Sports Medicine, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | - Aaron Engel
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
| | - Kornelia Kulig
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Greg Bashford
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
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Sunding K, Fahlström M, Werner S, Forssblad M, Willberg L. Evaluation of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy with greyscale ultrasound and colour Doppler: using a four-grade scale. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2016; 24:1988-96. [PMID: 25193569 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-014-3270-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In tendon research, using ultrasound (US), studies often refer to tendon thickness, structural abnormalities and neovascularisation. The reliability concerning these measurements and evaluations is seldom reported. The aim of this study was to assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability for quantitative measures (thickness) and qualitative evaluations (structure and neovascularisation) of symptomatic and asymptomatic Achilles and patellar tendons with US and colour Doppler using a modified Öhberg score. METHODS Twenty-eight consecutive patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic Achilles (n = 27) and patellar tendons (n = 26) were included. Tendon anteroposterior thickness was measured. Tendon structure and neovascularisation were evaluated using a modified Öhberg score. US-images were evaluated twice by four independent observers. RESULTS Mean thickness for Achilles and patellar tendons was 8.4 mm (±2.0) and 5.5 mm (±1.7), respectively. The reliability for measures of distance was high all over (ICC = 0.963-0.999). A moderate-strong correlation was found between observers concerning evaluation of neovascularisation (r = 0.767-0.992) and poor-moderate correlation concerning evaluation of structural changes (r = 0.379-0.837). Intra-observer reliability was moderate strong for evaluations of both tendon structure (k = 0.537-0.873) and neovascularisation (k = 0.639-0.864). CONCLUSIONS With a strict method for how to measure tendon thickness and set criteria for evaluating structural changes and amount and distribution of neovascularisation, US and colour Doppler is a reliable method for evaluating Achilles and patellar tendons. The modified, 4-graded, Öhberg score was found to be a reproducible instrument for assessment of tendon structure and neovascularisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Sunding
- Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Centre/Karolinska Institutet, Capio Artro Clinic AB, Sophiahemmet, Box 5605, 114 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Fahlström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Professional Development, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Suzanne Werner
- Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Centre/Karolinska Institutet, Capio Artro Clinic AB, Sophiahemmet, Box 5605, 114 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Forssblad
- Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Centre/Karolinska Institutet, Capio Artro Clinic AB, Sophiahemmet, Box 5605, 114 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lotta Willberg
- Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Centre/Karolinska Institutet, Capio Artro Clinic AB, Sophiahemmet, Box 5605, 114 86, Stockholm, Sweden
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Selle HK, Bar-On B, Marom G, Wagner HD. Gelatin yarns inspired by tendons--structural and mechanical perspectives. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl 2014; 47:1-7. [PMID: 25492166 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Tendons are among the most robust structures in nature. Using the structural properties of natural tendon as a foundation for the development of micro-yarns may lead to innovative composite materials. Gelatin monofilaments were prepared by casting and spinning and small yarns--with up to ten filaments--were assembled into either parallel or 15° twisted yarns. The latter were intended as an attempt to generate mechanical effects similar to those arising from the crimp pattern in tendon. The mechanical properties of parallel and 15° twisted gelatin yarns were compared. The effect of an increasing number of filaments per yarn was also examined. The mechanical properties were mostly affected by the increasing number of filaments, and no benefit arose from twisting small yarns by 15°. However, since gelatin filaments are elasto-plastic rather than fully elastic, much increased toughness (by up to a factor of five for a ten filament yarn) can be achieved with yarns made of elasto-plastic filaments, as demonstrated by experiments and numerical simulations. The resulting effect shows some resemblance to the effect of crimp in tendons. Finally, we developed a dependable procedure to measure the toughness of single filaments based on the test of a yarn rather than on a large number of individual filament tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Klein Selle
- Casali Center of Applied Chemistry, The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel; Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Benny Bar-On
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Gad Marom
- Casali Center of Applied Chemistry, The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
| | - H Daniel Wagner
- Department of Materials and Interfaces, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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