Mid-portion Tendinopathy Research Articles

Differentialdiagnose dorsaler Fersenschmerz

Heel pain is a common complaint with a prevalence of 15%. Besides inflammatory, infectious, neuropathic or tumor associated causes of pain, a mechanical bony or soft-tissue related disorder can be identified in most cases. Implementing a successful therapy can be challenging due to the variety of clinically similar differential diagnoses. Degenerative pathologies of the Achilles tendon frequently cause posterior heel pain and are subdivided into insertional tendinopathy (often associated with dorsal heel spurs) and mid portion tendinopathy, which is situated in a hypovascular ”critical zone” 2 to 6cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion site. Other typical disorders causing dorsal heel pain are retro-calcaneal or retro-Achilles bursitis, bony deformities (Haglund́s Syndrome), accessory ossicles (Os trigonum), calcaneal apophysitis (Severˊs disease) or flexor hallucis longus entrapment. A thorough physical examination and imaging diagnostics with sonography and MRI are crucial to identify the cause of pain. The therapy includes a wide range of conservative and surgical options depending on the main pathology.

Achilles Tendinopathy: Evaluation, Rehabilitation, and Prevention.

Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse condition that is characterized by degenerative, cumulative tissue microtrauma. It is largely a clinical diagnosis in which the patient typically presents with localized pain that is worse with tendon-loading activities. Imaging modalities may be helpful with the diagnosis of difficult cases or in the planning of interventional procedures. Midportion (noninsertional) and insertional tendinopathy have distinct features and differences for therapeutic paradigms. Overall, Achilles tendinopathy has a good clinical prognosis with most patients improving with activity modification and rehabilitation, with a focus on progressive tendon-loading. Recalcitrant cases may require adjuvant treatment with procedures (e.g., injections, shockwave therapy) and rarely surgical intervention.

Endoscopic debridement for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy with and without platelet-rich plasma

BackgroundWhen non-operative management fails to improve symptoms in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, surgery may be required. Various open and endoscopic techniques have been proposed, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been proposed as an adjunct to aid tendon healing. MethodsThirty-six patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to undergo endoscopic debridement alone (n = 19) or in combination with intraoperative PRP application (n = 17). Clinical outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, function, and satisfaction and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. Patients were followed-up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. An MRI examination at 3 and 12 months was used to assess signal alterations within the tendon. ResultsBoth groups showed significant clinical improvement (p < 0.05) after surgery, with no difference between the 2 groups. Tendon diameter increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months. The tendinopathy area increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months below baseline level in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the MRI parameters. Nodular thickening and MRI-detected signal alteration persisted after surgery, with no association between imaging and clinical outcome. Five minor complications were reported: 2 in the PRP group and 3 in the control group. ConclusionEndoscopic debridement of the Achilles tendon improved clinical outcomes in patients with mid-portion tendinopathy. The addition of PRP did not improve outcomes compared to debridement alone. MRI parameters showed no association with clinical outcomes.

Possible effect of morphological variations of plantaris muscle tendon on harvesting at reconstruction surgery-case report

PurposeSeemingly a well-known, weak, and vestigial plantaris muscle should not be a revelation. However, recent studies have shown that this structure is incredibly underestimated and perceived only as an infirm flexor of the talocrural joint, the knee joint or a great source of graft tissue. Usually, the origin of this inconspicuous muscle begins at the lateral supracondylar line of the femur and the knee joint capsule. It continues distally, forming a long and slender tendon. In most cases, it inserts onto the calcaneal tuberosity on the medial side of the Achilles tendon. However, many morphological variations have been discovered during anatomical dissections and surgical procedures. Nevertheless, according to the present literature, no other studies presented such a complex insertion variant, with indisputable clinical value and significant proof of development of this forgotten muscle.MethodsThe dissection of the right thigh, knee, crural and talocrural region was performed using standard techniques according to a strictly specified protocol.ResultsFour different insertion points were observed. The first band (A) inserted near to the tarsal canal flexor retinaculum. The second band (B) bifurcates into two branches—B1 and B2. B1 is located on the medial side and B2 is located on the lateral side of the calcaneal tuberosity. The third band (C) is inserted into the superior nonarticular calcaneal surface of the calcaneus anteriorly to the Achilles tendon.ConclusionA differently shaped plantaris tendon could be considered a cause of harvesting procedure failure. In the light of new case reports perhaps what we are now witnessing is remodeling and transformation of the Plantaris muscle. If so, the awareness of the influence on the onset of Achilles midportion tendinopathy or a potential role in tibialis posterior conflict can be crucial for every clinician.

Factors associated with positive outcomes of platelet-rich plasma therapy in Achilles tendinopathy.

The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment for Achilles tendinopathy is debated. Therefore, it is important to know which factors, related to the subjects and/or the disease, are associated with positive or negative outcomes. Aim of this study was to evaluate in a large cohort of patients with Achilles mid-portion tendinopathy which variables were independently associated with a positive outcome after platelet-rich plasma treatment. Eighty-four subjects with Achilles tendinopathy were evaluated by means of VISA-A score and ultrasound and treated with a single platelet-rich plasma injection once a week for 3weeks. Afterward, a rehabilitation program, based on eccentric training, was implemented. At 3 and 6months, the relationship between the mean VISA-A score and the following putative predictors was evaluated: sex, age, physical activity, sport, smoking, metabolic risk factors, BMI, symptoms duration, tendon damage, neovessels, adherence to eccentric training. Finally, the percentage of clinically evident positive outcomes (defined as an increase in VISA-A score ≥ 20 points) related to each variable was computed. At final follow-up, using the General Linear Model for Repeated Measures procedure, male sex (0.02), age ≤ 40 (0.05) and adequate eccentric training (0.02) were found to be independently associated with a significant increase in the mean VISA-A score. Moreover, the clinically evident positive outcomes, as previously defined, were significantly associated with male sex (0.01), age ≤ 40 (0.000), BMI ≤ 25 (0.001), symptoms duration ≤ 12months (0.02) and good adherence to eccentric training (0.004). Younger age, male sex and good adherence to eccentric training can be considered predictors of better results after platelet-rich plasma therapy in Achilles tendinopathy.

Achilles insertional tendinopathy: state of the art

Achilles tendon pathology is a most common musculoskeletal condition in active individuals and athletes. Almost 6% of the general population will suffer from such ailment in their lifetime. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) differs in its physiopathology, clinical features and treatment from midportion tendinopathy. The literature has mainly focused on assessment, outcome evaluation and treatment of IAT, although differences in management according to different geographical regions have not been addressed. The principles of clinical evaluation and imaging assessment of IAT are well established, with a major role of clinical assessment and soft tissue imaging, including ultrasonography and MRI. Conservative management options include eccentric training, extracorporeal shockwave therapy and prolotherapy, or a combination of these modalities. Recently, regenerative medicine has been more widely used, with at times dubious results. Surgery is advocated where conservative treatment is not beneficial within 6 months. Surgery includes more or less extensive debridement of peritendinous bony and soft tissue structures. To improve our knowledge about IAT, more evidence should be provided concerning innovative treatments, especially considering growth factors injections and percutaneous surgery.

Differential Motion and Compression Between the Plantaris and Achilles Tendons: A Contributing Factor to Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy?

Background: The plantaris tendon (PT) has been thought to contribute to symptoms in a proportion of patients with Achilles midportion tendinopathy, with symptoms improving after PT excision. Hypothesis: There is compression and differential movement between the PT and Achilles tendon (AT) during ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles (mean ± SD age: 35 ± 7 years, range = 27-48 years; men, n = 9) were mounted in a customized testing rig, where the tibia was fixed but the forefoot could be moved freely. A Steinmann pin was drilled through the calcaneus, enabling a valgus torque to be applied. The soleus, gastrocnemius, and plantaris muscles were loaded with 63 N with a weighted pulley system. The test area was 40 to 80 mm above the os calcis, corresponding to where the injury is observed clinically. Medially, the AT and PT were exposed, and a calibrated flexible pressure sensor was inserted between the tendons. Pressure readings were recorded with the ankle in full dorsiflexion, full plantarflexion, and plantargrade and repeated in these positions with a 5 N·m torque, simulating increased hindfoot valgus. The pressure sensor was removed and the PT and AT marked with ink at the same level, with the foot held in neutral rotation and plantargrade. Videos and photographs were taken to assess differential motion between the tendons. After testing, specimens were dissected to identify the PT insertion. One-way analysis of variance and paired t tests were performed to make comparisons. Results: The PT tendons with an insertion separate from the AT demonstrated greater differential motion through range (14 ± 4 mm) when compared with those directly adherent to the AT (2 ± 2 mm) (P < .001). Mean pressure between the PT and AT rose in terminal plantarflexion for all specimens (P < .001) and was more pronounced with hindfoot valgus (P < .001). Conclusion: The PT inserting directly into the calcaneus resulted in significantly greater differential motion as compared with the AT. Tendon compression was elevated in terminal plantarflexion, suggesting that adapting rehabilitation tendon-loading programs to avoid this position may be beneficial. Clinical Relevance: The insertion pattern of the PT may be a factor in plantaris-related midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Terminal range plantarflexion and hindfoot valgus both increased AT and PT compression, suggesting that these should be avoided in this patient population.

Chronic inflammation is a feature of Achilles tendinopathy and rupture

BackgroundRecent investigation of human tissue and cells from positional tendons such as the rotator cuff has clarified the importance of inflammation in the development and progression of tendon disease. These...

Comparison of Peritendinous Hyaluronan Injections Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Painful Achilles' Tendinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Efficacy and Safety Study

ObjectiveTo compare the safety and efficacy of hyaluronan (HA) injections with standard extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of painful midportion Achilles' tendinopathy. DesignMultinational, prospective, randomized controlled, blinded-observer trial. SettingAmbulatory care. ParticipantsAdults (N=62) with Achilles' midportion tendinopathy for ≥6 weeks and a pain score of at least 40mm (Huskisson visual analog scale [VAS], 100mm) were randomized, and 59 were analyzed in the intention-to-treat data set. There were no withdrawals because of adverse effects. InterventionsTwo peritendinous HA injections versus 3 ESWT applications at weekly intervals. Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary efficacy criterion was changed from the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles' questionnaire (VISA-A) score to the percent change in pain (VAS) at 3 months posttreatment, compared with baseline values. Main secondary parameters were VISA-A, Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and clinical parameters. ResultsHA treatment provided a clinically relevant improvement in Achilles' midportion tendinopathy. A large superiority of the HA group, compared with ESWT application, was observed for percent change in pain (VAS), and this superiority was proven to be statistically significant (Mann-Whitney statistic [MW]=.7507 with P=.0030 lower than required α=.025 significance level 1-sided; Mann-Whitney U test) at 3 months posttreatment. Similar findings for HA were also observed at 4 weeks (MW=.6425, P=.0304) and 6 months (MW=.7172, P=.0018). Advantage of HA treatment was confirmed by VISA-A questionnaire, CGI, and clinical parameters. Ten adverse events, 4 in the HA group and 6 in the ESWT group, were reported, but none were classified as serious. ConclusionsTwo peritendinous HA injections showed greater treatment success in Achilles' midportion tendinopathy compared with standard ESWT.

Achilles tendinopathy—do plantaris tendon removal and Achilles tendon scraping improve tendon structure? A prospective study using ultrasound tissue characterisation

ObjectivesThe plantaris tendon has recently been described as a possible important factor in midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) is a method to study tendon structure (matrix integrity). The...

PROTEASE-ACTIVATED RECEPTORS ARE EXPRESSED IN HUMAN TENDON TISSUE AND MAY EXPLAIN EXCESSIVE PAIN-SIGNALLING IN TENDINOPATHY

IntroductionSeveral painful conditions throughout the human body—such as interstitial cystitis, Dupuytren's contracture, and complex regional pain syndrome—have been shown to exhibit tissues with an increase in mast cell population. One...

Paper 86: Eccentric Training and a Pneumatic Achilles Wrap Reduce Increased Achilles Tendon Capillary Blood Flow, Reduce Capillary Venous Filling Pressures and Increase Tendon Oxygen Saturation in Insertional and Mid-portion Tendinopathy: A Randomized Trial

Paper 86: Eccentric Training and a Pneumatic Achilles Wrap Reduce Increased Achilles Tendon Capillary Blood Flow, Reduce Capillary Venous Filling Pressures and Increase Tendon Oxygen Saturation in Insertional and Mid-portion Tendinopathy: A Randomized Trial

Gender and eccentric training in Achilles mid-portion tendinopathy

The role of gender in Achilles tendinopathy is yet to be determined. We hypothesized that female patients respond the same as males to 12 weeks of painful eccentric training. A total number of 75 consecutive mid-portion patients with Achilles tendinopathy (25 females, 38 males) were enrolled in a cohort study with 63 being analyzed after 12 weeks according to their gender for tendon and paratendon microcirculatory mapping. Outcome was determined by pain on visual analogue scale, VISA-A score, Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), tendon and paratendon capillary blood flow, oxygen saturation, and postcapillary venous filling pressures. Eccentric training resulted in a morning resting pain reduction by 44% in males (P = 0.001) and by 27% in females (P = 0.08). VISA-A score improved in males by 27% from 63 +/- 12 to 86 +/- 13 (P = 0.036) and by 20% in females from 60 +/- 14 to 75 +/- 11 (P = 0.043, P < 0.05 for gender difference). Among females, only one out of five FAOS items was increased (sport 72 +/- 21 to 82 +/- 15, P = 0.045), while in males, four out of five items were increased (symptoms, pain, all-day-life, and sport, all P < 0.01). The microcirculatory gender-specific response to eccentric training revealed a greater postcapillary venous filling pressure reduction among symptomatic females and inconclusive capillary blood flow changes. No change in tendon oxygenation was noted in both genders. Symptomatic females suffering Achilles tendinopathy do not benefit as much as symptomatic males from 12 weeks of eccentric training. The pain reduction is significantly lower among symptomatic females in contrast to males, and the improvement in the FAOS and VISA-A scores is significantly lower among females in contrast to males. Additional treatment options warrant scrutiny to symptomatic females suffering Achilles tendinopathy beyond eccentric training.

Kinematic Analysis of Runners with Achilles Mid-Portion Tendinopathy

Despite anecdotal evidence linking overpronation to the onset of Achilles tendinopathy (AT), there is little conclusive evidence of a particular movement pattern of the lower extremity associated with this injury. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to observe differences in the kinematic profiles of healthy runners (CON) and runners with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (ATG). In this cross-sectional analysis, 48 male height and weight matched subjects were invited to participate: 27 with mid-portion Achilles tendon pain and 21 asymptomatic controls. Subjects underwent lower extremity clinical examination, then ran barefoot for 10-trials at a self-selected pace. A 3D motion capture system analysed tri-plane kinematic data for the lower extremity. The ATG displayed significantly greater sub-talar joint eversion displacement during mid-stance of the running gait (13 +/- 3 degrees vs. 11 +/- 3 degrees; p = 0.04). Trends were observed such that the ATG showed lower peak dorsiflexion velocity (300 +/- 39 degrees/s vs. 330 +/- 59 degrees/s; p = 0.08) and greater overall frontal plane ankle joint range of motion (45 degrees +/- 7 vs. 41 degrees +/- 7; p = 0.09). We found an increase in eversion displacement of the sub-talar joint in runners with Achilles mid-portion tendinopathy. Based on the findings from this study, there is evidence that devices used to control sub-talar eversion may be warranted in patients with Achilles mid-portion tendinopathy who demonstrate over-pronation during mid-stance of the running gait.

Acute and Overuse Injuries Correlated to Hours of Training in Master Running Athletes

The goal of the study was to determine the rate of running-associated tendinopathy in light of the amount of time training and other risk factors. 291 elite runners (average age 42 +/- 9 years) who ran an average of 65.2 +/- 28.3 km/week were included with an overall distance of 9,980,852 km (34,416 km/athlete). Descriptive statistics with Chi2-Test, Fisher-Exact-Test and Mann-Whitney-Test were used to calculate relative risks (RR). The overall injury rate was 0.08/1000 km (2.93/athlete). Overuse injuries (0.07/1000 km) were more frequent than acute injuries (0.01/1000 km). Achilles tendinopathy was the predominant injury (0.02/1000 km) followed by anterior knee pain (0.01/1000 km), and shin splints (0.01/1000 km). Achilles tendon rupture was rarely encountered (0.001/1000 km). At some time, 56.6% of the athletes had an Achilles tendon overuse injury, 46.4% anterior knee pain, 35.7% shin splints, and 12.7% had plantar fasciitis. Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy was more common (0.01/1000 km) than insertional (0.005/1000 km). An asphalt running surface decreased mid-portion tendinopathy risk (RR 0.47, p = 0.02). In contrast, sand increased the relative risk for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy tenfold (RR 10, CI 1.12 to 92.8, p = 0.01). Runners with more than 10 years experience had an increased risk (RR 1.6, p = 0.04) for Achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy is the most common running-associated tendinopathy followed by runner's knee and shin splints.

Eccentric Training and an Achilles Wrap Reduce Achilles Tendon Capillary Blood Flow and Capillary Venous Filling Pressures and Increase Tendon Oxygen Saturation in Insertional and Midportion Tendinopathy: A Randomized Trial

Eccentric Training and an Achilles Wrap Reduce Achilles Tendon Capillary Blood Flow and Capillary Venous Filling Pressures and Increase Tendon Oxygen Saturation in Insertional and Midportion Tendinopathy: A Randomized Trial

Frühfunktionell konservative und operative Behandlungsmöglichkeiten sowie Rehabilitationsoptionen bei der Achillessehnenruptur

Achilles tendon ruptures are one end of a continuum starting with the healthy Achilles tendon via the thickened and painful tendinopathic Achilles tendon with neovascularisation to the complete tendon rupture. Often times chinolone antibiotics, cortisone therapy and valgus foot axis are associated risk factors. Incidence of Achilles tendon ruptures is estimated to be 10/100 000 per year with a mean age of 35-40 years. Physical activity is encountered in 75 % cases of Achilles tendon ruptures. Running is associated with Achilles tendinopathy as the predominant overuse injury in an analysis among 291 athletes with 10 million kilometers exposure. The Achilles tendinopathic rate was 0.016/1000 km differentiated in 0.008/1000 km mid-portion tendinopathy and 0.005/1000 km insertional tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy in running overuse injuries is followed by runner's knee (0.013/1000 km), shin splint (0.0104/1000 km) and plantar fasciitis (0.0054/1000 km). Dynamic ultrasound in 20 degrees plantar flexion is of utmost importance for therapeutic decision making. With an adaptation rate of 75 % or more of the ruptured tendon in 20 degrees plantar flexion and a high patient's compliance we perform an early functional conservative treatment regimen in Achilles tendon ruptures. In almost all other cases the percutaneous Achilles tendon repair is indicated, where nervus suralis lesions have to be appreciated. The vulnerable zone is 10-12 cm proximal to the calcaneus at the lateral border of the Achilles tendon with the sural nerve in close proximity with the tendon. Early functional rehabilitation is not associated with a higher risk of rerupture but with improved subjective assessments and should therefore be advocated.

Eccentric Training and an Achilles Wrap Reduce Achilles Tendon Capillary Blood Flow and Capillary Venous Filling Pressures and Increase Tendon Oxygen Saturation in Insertional and Midportion Tendinopathy

Background Eccentric training has been demonstrated to decrease pain in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Whether an Achilles wrap in addition to eccentric training changes parameters of tendon microcirculation in insertional and midportion tendinopathy is not known. Study Design Randomized clinical trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods One hundred twelve subjects were recruited. A laser Doppler system assessed capillary blood flow, tissue oxygen saturation, and postcapillary venous filling pressure. Group A performed daily eccentric training for 12 weeks with additional daily Achilles wrap (AirHeel™, 54 tendons of 54 patients), while group B performed the same eccentric training only (64 tendons of 59 patients). Results Ninety-one patients (81%) completed the 12-week training period. Tendon oxygen saturation increased significantly in group A at the insertion (70% ± 11% to 75% ± 7%, P = .001) and distal midportion (68% ± 12% to 73% ± 9%, P = .006); this increase was greater than that in group B (69% ± 11% vs 68% ± 15%, P = .041 vs A). Postcapillary venous filling pressures were significantly reduced in group A at 5 of 8 positions at 2 and 8 mm tendon depths (up to 26%, P = .003), while only in 3 of 8 positions in group B (up to 20%, P = .001). Pain on the visual analog scale was 5.1 ± 2.1 vs 3.2 ± 2.7 (A,–37.3%, P = .0001) and 5.5 ± 2.1 vs 3.6 ± 2.4 (B, P = .0001,–34.6%) (P = .486 for A vs B). Conclusion Tendon oxygen saturation was increased, and capillary venous clearance facilitated using an Achilles wrap in addition to a daily 12-week eccentric training program. Achilles wrap and eccentric training increased subjective assessment of Achilles tendinopathy, while pain level reduction remained the same in both groups.

Achilles Tendon and Paratendon Microcirculation in Midportion and Insertional Tendinopathy in Athletes

Background Neovascularisation can be detected qualitatively by Power Doppler in Achilles tendinopathy. Quantitative data regarding tendon microcirculation have not been established and may be substantial. Purpose To assess the microcirculation of the Achilles tendon and the paratendon in healthy volunteers as well as in athletes with either midportion or insertional tendinopathy. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods In 66 physically active volunteers, parameters of Achilles tendon and paratendon microcirculation, such as tissue oxygen saturation, relative postcapillary venous filling pressures, and microcirculatory blood flow, were determined at rest at 2-mm and 8-mm tissue depths. Forty-one patients never had Achilles pain (25 men, 27 ± 8 years), 14 patients had insertional pain (7 men, 29 ± 8 years), and 11 patients had midportion tendinopathy (7 men, 38 ± 13 years, not significant). Results Achilles tendon diameter 2 cm and 6 cm proximal to the insertion was increased in symptomatic tendons. Compared with the uninvolved opposite tendon, deep microcirculatory blood flow was significantly elevated at insertional (160 ± 79 vs 132 ± 42, P<. 05) as well as in midportion tendinopathy (150 ± 74 vs 119 ± 34, P<. 05). The microcirculation in the uninvolved opposite tendon and the normal athlete controls were not significantly different from each other (132 ± 42 insertional asymptomatic vs 119 ± 34 mid-portion vs 120 ± 48 healthy tendon). Insertional paratendon deep microcirculatory flow was elevated in all groups, whereas tissue oxygen saturation and relative postcapillary venous filling pressures were not significantly different. Conclusion Microcirculatory blood flow is significantly elevated at the point of pain in insertional and midportion tendinopathy. Postcapillary venous filling pressures are increased at both the midportion Achilles tendon and the midportion paratendon, whereas tissue oxygen saturation is not different among the studied groups. We found no evidence of an abnormal microcirculation of the asymptomatic limb in Achilles tendinopathy.