Tendon In Patients Research Articles

Zigzag tenotomy of the extensor hallucis longus through minimally invasive surgery in cadaveric specimens: description of a new technique

BackgroundLengthening of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) is performed to address various forefoot pathologies. The retraction of this tendon is strongly associated with the Hallux Abductus Valgus (HAV) deformity. Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) lengthening of the EHL is carried out in combination with other surgical techniques for HAV bone realignment. It is performed without ischemia, using local anesthesia and sedation if required by the patient. One of the advantages of this technique is immediate ambulation with a postoperative shoe without the need for a cast. The objective of the research was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the minimally invasive technique for lengthening the tendon in patients with HAV.Materials and methodsThe procedures were performed on 11 fresh cryopreserved cadaveric feet. HAV surgery was performed through dorsomedial and dorsolateral portals for Reverdin-Isham, Akin and adductor tenotomy. In addition, EHL tendon elongation was performed using the Beaver 67 MIS scalpel through an incomplete zigzag tenotomy. The specimens used did not present any type of disease nor had they undergone previous surgeries that could affect the technique. First, the plantar flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint was measured with a goniometer to establish the degrees of this joint before proceeding with the technique, the tenotomy was performed and remeasured and finally the osteotomy was performed. In addition, an anatomical dissection of cadaveric specimens was performed and various anatomical and surgical relationships were analyzed and measured.ResultsThe data indicate that, after performing zigzag tenotomy, there is an average improvement of 13.91 degrees in plantar flexion.ConclusionsThe study confirms the effectiveness and safety of elongating the extensor hallucis longus tendon of the hallux using minimally invasive surgery. The zigzag technique for tendon elongation may be considered a viable minimally invasive treatment option for addressing tendon hyperextension in patients with HAV.

Shengji ointment combined with bromelain promotes granulation of exposed tendons in diabetic foot ulcers: a multicenter, randomized, positive-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundExposed, infected and necrotic tendons often occur in the middle and late stages of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The exposed tendon is both a potential source and route of infection, which prolongs the treatment period and affects recovery, leading to amputation and even death. Therefore, management of the exposed tendon in patients with DFU is the key to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shengji ointment combined with bromelain in the treatment of DFU with tendon exposure and to provide clinical treatment options and evidence-based medicine. MethodsThis study was a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized, positive controlled clinical trial involving 180 patients with DFU with tendon exposure at five tertiary-grade A-class hospitals. The included patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to an observation group (n=90) that received Shengji ointment combined with bromelain and a control group (n=90) that received hydrocolloid dressing, with dressing changes once daily for 4 weeks. Patients in both groups continued with conventional treatments, such as blood glucose and blood pressure medication, lipid regulation, and antiplatelets. The primary outcome measure was wound coverage with granulation tissue. The secondary outcome measures included the wound healing rate, time to granulation, Maryland foot score, time to debridement of necrotic tendon tissue, and granulation tissue score. We performed measurements before enrollment and after the end of treatment for comparison. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the primary outcome indicators of the two groups were compared, and the wound granulation tissue coverage rate of the treatment group was greater than that of the control group (P = 0.003). For the secondary outcome outcomes, the wound healing rate, time to granulation, Maryland foot function score, time to debridement of necrotic tendon tissue, and granulation tissue score in the treatment group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P = 0.444). ConclusionsShengji ointment combined with bromelain effectively promotes the removal of exposed necrotic tendons in patients with DFU, promotes the regeneration of healthy granulation tissue, accelerates wound healing, and protects the limb and its function. It also appears to be safe as an intervention for the treatment of patients with DFU. Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) under the code ChiCTR2000039327 on 23/10/2020. The public title is “Study on evidence-based evaluation and therapeutic mechanism of integrated Chinese and Western medicine for treatment of diabetic foot - An evidence-based evaluation of The combination of Rubber Shengji Paste and compound bromelain to promote the healing of the exposed wound of diabetic foot tendon”.

Qualitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of the Semimembranosus Tendon in Patients with Medial Meniscal Tears.

To determine if there is an association between semimembranosus tendinosis and medial meniscal tears using MRI. A retrospective review of knee 3T MRI scans was performed to determine the presence or absence of medial meniscal tears in patients with semimembranosus tendinosis. All studies were interpreted by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Univariate association for the presence of semimembranosus tendinosis and medial meniscal tears was performed with a Chi-square test followed by logistic regression modelling among statistically significant associations. A total of 150 knee MRI scans were reviewed (age 32.8 ± 7.1 years; 70 females). Semimembranosus tendinosis was present in 66 knees (44%) in the patient population. Semimembranosus tendinosis was present in 81% of patients with meniscal tears versus 36% of patients without meniscal tears (p < 0.0001). This association remained statistically significant when adjusted for age and sex with an adjusted odds ratio of 7.0 (p < 0.0003). Models adjusted for the above covariates and containing the interaction term produced an adjusted odds ratio of 13.0 (p < 0.0001) in men, while in women this association was non-significant with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.0 (p = 0.42). Subjects with semimembranosus tendinosis were seven times more likely to have medial meniscal tears even when adjusting for sex and age. This could help guide the appropriate postmeniscal repair rehabilitation protocol.

Evaluation of Elastic Stiffness and Tendon Thickness in the Quadriceps Tendon in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis

Evaluation of Elastic Stiffness and Tendon Thickness in the Quadriceps Tendon in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis

Poster 150: Subscapularis CT Evaluation in Patients following Treatment for Proximal Humerus Fractures: Reverse versus Anatomical Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Objectives: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) are both reliable treatment options for complex proximal humerus fractures. While the role of the subscapularis tendon is well defined in HA, its role in RTSA has not been clearly demonstrated. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the role of the subscapularis tendon in patients treated with HA and RTSA and investigate its association with clinical outcomes. Methods: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with proximal humeral fractures were prospectively enrolled in the study between June 2015 and May 2020 (RTSA = 36; HA = 32). Shoulder CT scans were performed pre- and postoperatively, and subscapularis muscle cross-sectional area (SMCSA) and supraspinatus fossa cross-sectional area (SFCSA) were measured. SMCSA/SFCSA ratio was employed to standardize values. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated at the final follow-up. Results: RTSA group demonstrated higher PROs compared to HA patients: Constant Score (p = .0001), Quick Dash (p = .0006), Simple Shoulder Test (p = .01). ROM was better in RTSA than HA: internal rotation (p = .0047 adduction and p = .026 abduction), external rotation (p = .001 adduction and p = .026 abduction) and forward flexion (p &lt; .0001). Reduction of subscapularis size of &gt;35% occurred in 20 RTSA and 8 HA (p = 0.01). The loss of subscapularis surface was greater in the RTSA patients (p = 0.018). Conclusions: RTSA demonstrated better results compared to HA, providing better PROs and ROM. Postoperative reduction in subscapularis size was significantly higher in RTSA compared to HA. Subscapularis condition demonstrated no correlation with functional outcomes in RTSA.

Histological features of the structure of the long head of biceps brachii tendon in patients with concomitant injuries of the rotator cuff

Background. The long head of biceps brachii tendon plays an important role in shoulder pain. Surgical tactics remain controversial. There are two approaches: tenotomy of the long head of biceps brachii tendon and tenodesis. Both have positive and negative sides. There is also no consensus on the effective position for performing tenodesis.The aim. To assess the histological structure of various parts of the long head of biceps brachii tendon, which may be the causes for persistent pain syndrome.Materials and methods. In this study, we examined the histological structure of the long head of biceps brachii tendon in 12 patients aged 18–59 years having chronic anterior shoulder pain with concomitant damage to the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons. In all cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed changes that made it impossible to perform intraarticular tenodesis. Patients were divided into two groups according to the World Health Organization classification: young (18–44 years) and middle-aged (45–59 years). All patients underwent arthroscopy with subpectoral tenodesis and correction of concomitant pathology. The obtained macropreparations are divided into three zones: the proximal zone, the intertubercular zone and the zone below the intertubercular groove. All macropreparations were sent for histological examination.It was revealed that the most common changes occur in the area of the intertubercular groove in all categories, however, in the middle-aged group, the signs of inflammation and degeneration are equally evident in this zone and in the proximal part of the tendon.Conclusions. Young and middle-aged patients with damage to the tendons of the supraspinatus and subscapularis muscles and signs of chronic tendinitis of the long head of biceps brachii tendon tendon and pronounced structural changes according to MRI should undergo a subpectoral tenodesis procedure; it is also necessary to take into account the anatomical features of the tendon and possible surgical risks.

Ultrasonic Evaluation of the Achilles Tendon in Patients Treated for Congenital Clubfoot: Comparison between Patients Treated with Plaster Alone, Achilles Tenotomy, and Z-Plasty Lengthening.

Clubfoot is a common congenital deformity. The Ponseti technique, involving early corrective manipulations followed by applying long leg casts and Achilles tenotomy, is widely accepted as the preferred treatment. Rapid tendon healing after surgery has been documented, but the aspect regarding long-term tendon structure and properties is not known. Three cases of Achilles tendon rupture in adolescents previously treated for clubfoot have been described in the literature. As rupture is a rare event in this age group, a possible correlation with previous surgery has been hypothesized. The primary aim of the study was to compare the ultrasound findings of the Achilles tendon in patients treated for clubfoot, between patients treated with casting alone and with patients who underwent surgery (percutaneous tenotomy or Z-plasty lengthening). There were 22 asymptomatic patients (34 feet) with a median age of 12 years, previously treated for clubfoot, that were recruited for this study; the patients underwent an Achilles tendon ultrasound examination during a follow-up outpatient visit. A greater thickness and increased number of structural alterations with the presence of hypoechoic areas of the operated tendons compared with those treated with plaster alone were observed (p-value: 0.0498 and <0.001, respectively). These ultrasound findings were indicative of tendon suffering, as seen in tendinopathies. The presence of ultrasound alterations in asymptomatic patients operated on for clubfoot requires careful control of the extrinsic factors of tendinopathy in order to reduce the risk of subcutaneous rupture.

A Novel Operation Technique for Forearm Deformities in Patients with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: Retrospective Analysis of 14 Patients.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of our novel operation technique that included radial shaft shortening plus supination producing osteotomy and transfer of the biceps brachii tendon to the brachialis tendon in patients with chronic radial head dislocation secondary to brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic radial head dislocation resulting from BPBI were included in this study, with a minimum 1-year postoperative follow-up period. All patients underwent the same surgical procedure. The range of motion of affected elbow was measured with a standard goniometer. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was used to measure for evaluation of functional result of these patients. The affected elbow radiograph also obtained in the last visit for evaluation of compatibility of the radiocapitellar joint. Results: Fourteen patients (10 males and 4 females) were included in the study. The average age at the time of surgery was 7.2 (5-8) years and average follow-up was 73.2 ± 19 (36-131) months. Although the forearm active-passive pronation decreased, active-passive supination significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.001). Ten patients had excellent MEPS results (90 and above), two patients with good results (75 and 80), one patient with fair (65) and one patient with poor result (55). Radiocapitellar reduction was achieved in 78.5% (11/14) of the patients. Conclusions: The novel surgical techniques that included radial shaft shortening plus supination producing osteotomy and transfer of the biceps brachii tendon to the brachialis tendon improved the functional outcomes of patients with chronic radial head dislocation secondary to BPBI. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Smokers Achieved Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Visual Analog Scale and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores at a Lower Rate Than Nonsmokers Even When Repaired Supraspinatus Tendons Were Intact on Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

To investigate the impact of smoking on clinical outcomes after repair of supraspinatus tendon in patients who had an intact repair found on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Patients who received primary complete repair of supraspinatus tendon tear between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patients were excluded if a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan was not available or if the follow-up was less than 2 years. Visual analog score (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and active forward flexion were assessed at the 2-year follow-up. The percentage of patients acquiring minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was reported. One hundred primary supraspinatus tendon repairs were included. The healing rate was 77% in smokers and 90% in nonsmokers. Smoking was the independent predictor of a poorer 2-year VAS (P < .001) and ASES (P < .001) scores. Significant improvement in clinical outcomes was observed between preoperation and the 2-year follow-up, regardless of the integrity of the repair or smoking status (P < .001). When the repaired tendon was intact, nonsmokers had a greater chance of achieving MCID in 2-year VAS and ASES scores than smokers. Ninety-nine percent of nonsmokers, compared with 82% of smokers, achieved MCID in VAS at the 2-year follow-up (P= .023). The corresponding figures for ASES were 98% and 71%, respectively (P= .004). In this study, smoking was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, including a greater 2-year VAS pain score and a lower 2-year ASES score, when compared with nonsmokers, even in cases in which there was no full-thickness retear of the repaired supraspinatus tendon. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Sonographic assessment of Achilles tendon in patients with cutaneous psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, immune-‌‌‌‌‌‌mediated inflammatory disease with a variety of skin manifestations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical Achilles tendon disorder in cutaneous psoriasis patients and compare it with healthy controls. This was a cross-sectional case-control study conducted on psoriasis patients that were referred to dermatology clinic. Thirty patients in the case group and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Thickness of Achilles tendon enthesis was scanned by an expert rheumatologist using ultrasound equipped with a 5-14 MHz linear prob bilaterally. The mean age of the patient and control groups was 43.97±16.82 years and 38.87±12.71 years, respectively (P=0.190). The mean thickness of the Achilles tendon enthesis in the dominant limb was 4.31±0.86 mm in the patient group and 4.10±0.54 mm in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of thickness of the Achilles tendon enthesis in the dominant limb (P=0.276). The mean thickness of the Achilles tendon enthesis in the non-dominant limb was 4.44±0.91 mm in the patient group and 4.14±0.59 mm in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of thickness of Achilles tendon enthesis in the non-dominant limb (P = 0.134). Although ultrasonography may be utilized for assessment of both structural and inflammatory changes, we revealed no difference in the mean thickness of Achilles tendon enthesis in patients with cutaneous psoriasis. Contradiction between clinical and ultrasonography features required further research.

Retracted: Evaluation of Achilles Tendon in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer by High-Frequency Ultrasound Combined with Real-Time Shear-Wave Elastography

Retracted: Evaluation of Achilles Tendon in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer by High-Frequency Ultrasound Combined with Real-Time Shear-Wave Elastography

FRI170 Ultrasound-Based Evaluation Of Muscles And Tendons In Patients With Cushing Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: B. Bolayir: None. F. Gogus: None. B. Demir: None. M.M. Yalcin: None. J. Meray: None. A. Altinova: None. F.S. Toruner: None. M.Y. Akturk: None. Background: Myopathy, being induced by antianabolic and catabolic effects of excess corticosteroids is one of the characteristic features of Cushing Syndrome (CS). Muscle thickness which has been shown to be correlated with muscle cross sectional area can be used as an indicator of muscle mass. Although many studies have demonstrated effects of corticosteroids on collagen metabolism and case reports documented rupture of tendons in patients with chronic exposure to corticosteroids, tendon changes of patients with endogenous hypercortisolism have not been studied. Ultrasound, although not studied well in this group of patients, can be an alternative imaging method that provides information about muscle and tendon thickness. The aim of this study was to investigate muscle, tendon thicknesses and serum levels of myostatin in patients with CS. Methods: Twenty-two patients with CS and nineteen healthy control subjects similar for age, sex, height and weight were enrolled. Lower extremity tendon and muscle groups’ thickness were evaluated by ultrasound. Serum myostatin levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Age, height, weight and body mass index were similar between groups (p&amp;gt;0.05). The thicknesses of rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis and gastrocnemius lateralis were lower in the CS group than control group (p≤0.001). However, thickness of soleus muscle was not significantly different between the groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). No significant difference was revealed between groups in terms of Achilles and patellar tendon thickness (p&amp;gt;0.05). Median serum myostatin levels were found to be lower in the CS group than the control group (p&amp;lt;0.001).Conclusions: Ultrasound based measurement of muscle thickness can be used to assess and monitor steroid-induced changes of muscle mass. The fact that the thickness of the proximal muscles of lower extremity was found to be lower by ultrasound in patients with CS in our study supports the proximal myopathy feature of CS. Besides that, it was shown that the gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis thicknesses, which are the distal muscles of the lower extremity, were also shown to be lower in the Cushing group. On the other hand, CS might not affect the thickness of the lower extremity tendons. Moreover, the mechanism of the decrease in the level of myostatin, the negative regulator of muscle growth, in patients with needs to be elucidated with CS further studies. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

The Results of the Ultrasonographic Evaluation for the Contralateral Achilles Tendon in Patients with Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

The Results of the Ultrasonographic Evaluation for the Contralateral Achilles Tendon in Patients with Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

Sound touch elastography of Achilles tendons in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus versus healthy adults

BackgroundThe studies of the effect of diabetes on the stiffness of Achilles tendon (AT) tissue remain inconclusive, we believe it is necessary to find a reliable method which can be used to detect the stiffness changes of the AT in the diabetic state. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of sound touch elastography (STE) as a tool for detecting diabetic Achilles tendinopathy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 180 participants, consisting of 82 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 98 healthy adults, who had undergone AT ultrasonography. Young ‘s modulus (E) values of the distal, middle, and proximal segments of bilateral ATs of all participants were measured using STE technique. The E values of each AT segment between the case and control group were compared.ResultsThe E values of the three segments of ATs in T2DM patients were lower than the healthy controls (P < 0.05). In both groups, the E values of the distal segments were lower than those of the middle segments, and the latter were lower than those of the proximal segments (P < 0.05). The E value of each segment of AT was inversely related to FPG, HbA1c, and diabetes duration (P < 0.05). The best cut-off points for the E values of the three segments of the AT for detecting diabetic tendinopathy were 347.44 kPa (AUC, 0.779), 441.57 kPa (AUC, 0.692), and 484.35 kPa (AUC, 0.676), respectively.ConclusionSTE can be used as a complementary diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of diabetic Achilles tendinopathy.

Role of ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of rotator cuff tendon in patients with shoulder pain and its comparison with magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Pain in the shoulder is the third-most prevalent musculoskeletal pain type. Most frequently involved in tendinopathy/tendon tears is the supraspinatus tendon, followed by a combination of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon. At present, gray-scale ultrasound and MRI are used to determine the tear size, gross morphology, and postsurgical tendon repair. However, they are unable to determine the material characteristics of the muscle or tendon. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the role of ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of the rotator cuff tendon and to compare gray scale ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) findings of the supraspinatus tendon with MRI in patients with shoulder pain. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 50 patients. They were examined using a 1.5-T MRI machine and the ACUSON S3000 (Siemens Medical Solution) machine. The radiologist performing the ultrasound was blinded by the results of the MRI. Results: Age varied from 19 to 75 years. The majority (34%) were in the range of 31–40 years. Males were predominately affected. In MRI, the most common type of injury was mild tendinosis (34%), followed by moderate/severe tendinosis (26%). About 30% were diagnosed with moderate/severe tendinosis, 24% with mild tendinosis, 22% with partial tears, and 18% with full-thickness tears in gray-scale ultrasound. When SWE was combined, 32% were diagnosed with moderate/severe tendinosis, 28% with mild tendinosis, 20% with a partial tear, and 14% with a full-thickness tear. Conclusion: SWE showed better diagnostic performance than gray-scale ultrasound in the detection of supraspinatus tendinopathy.

Ultrasonographic Finding of Contralateral Achilles Tendon in Patients With Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Prospective Observational Study.

Although the incidence of contralateral Achilles tendon in patients with Achilles tendon rupture is higher than in the general population, there are no studies evaluating the status of the contralateral Achilles tendon. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of the contralateral Achilles tendon in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Prospective observational cohort study. University hospital foot and ankle clinic. Seventy-five patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who met the inclusion criteria. Ultrasonography performed by an orthopedic surgeon who had 8 years of experience in musculoskeletal ultrasonography. Ultrasonographic abnormalities of the contralateral Achilles tendon at the time of diagnosis of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Abnormalities were categorized as intratendinous lesions, peritendinous lesions, changes in retrocalcaneal bursa, and Achilles tendon thickening. The maximal Achilles tendon thickness had a mean of 4.8 ± 1.0 mm. Nine patients (12%) showed ultrasonographic abnormalities on the contralateral Achilles tendon, and the presence of exertional pain was the sole associating variable with ultrasonographic abnormalities. The prevalence of ultrasonographic abnormalities in the contralateral Achilles tendon shown in this study was not higher than that reported in healthy or asymptomatic Achilles tendon. Therefore, routine evaluation of the contralateral Achilles tendon is unnecessary at the time of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Progressive Calcification of Supraspinatus Tendon in Patients With Calcific Tendinitis: Two Case Reports

Background. Calcific tendinitis (CT) is a common disease characterized by the presence of calcific deposits in the tendons of the rotator cuff. CT has a wave-like course, and the formed calcification tends to be resorbed. The lysis of the calcium deposits is characterized by a strong pain syndrome, and the site of the calcification is replaced by collagen.&#x0D; The aim to demonstrate clinical observations in which the deposited calcification in the rotator cuff did not resorb but increased over time.&#x0D; Cases presentation. We report on two rare clinical cases of an increase in calcification of the rotator cuff in patients aged 51 and 50 years old. Calcific tendinitis occurred with periods of remission and exacerbation. During exacerbations, conservative treatment was carried out, including courses of massage, physiotherapy, and pain relief therapy. In one case, a single injection of a hormonal drug was performed. Control X-rays and MRI during one of the exacerbations showed an increase in the size of the calcifications. Due to the lack of effect from conservative treatment and the detected increase in calcifications, a decision was made to perform surgical treatment. Arthroscopic removal of calcifications with re-fixation of the supraspinatus tendon and elimination of internal damage was performed on both patients. Good results were noted on the follow-up examination according to the ASES orthopedic score, as well as clinical examination data.&#x0D; Conclusion. The presented case reports illustrate the possible increase in calcification, unlike the standard course of the disease, in which the calcification is resorbed. Further study of this pathology is necessary to establish the causes and mechanisms of calcification increase over time and its dependence on the phase of the disease.

Achilles Tendon Tissue Turnover Before and Immediately After an Acute Rupture

Background: An Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a frequent injury and results in the activation of tendon cells and collagen expression, but it is unknown to what extent turnover of the tendon matrix is altered before or after a rupture. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to characterize tendon tissue turnover before and immediately after an acute rupture in patients. It was hypothesized that a rupture would result in pronounced collagen synthesis in the early phase (first 2 weeks) after the injury. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The study included patients (N = 18) eligible for surgery after an ATR. At the time of inclusion, the patients ingested deuterium oxide (2H2O) orally, and on the day of surgery (within 14 days of the injury), they received a 3-hour flood-primed infusion of an 15N-proline tracer. During surgery, the patients had 1 biopsy specimen taken from the ruptured part of the Achilles tendon and 1 that was 3 to 5 cm proximal to the rupture as a control. The biopsy specimens were analyzed for carbon-14 (14C) levels in the tissue to calculate long-term turnover (years), incorporation of 2H-alanine (from 2H2O) into the tissue to calculate the fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of proteins in the short term (days), and incorporation of 15N-proline into the tissue to calculate the acute FSR (hours). Results: Both the rupture and the control samples showed consistently lower levels of 14C compared with the predicted level of 14C in a healthy tendon, which indicated increased tendon turnover in a fraction (48% newly synthesized) of the Achilles tendon already for a prolonged period before the rupture. Over the first days after the rupture, the synthesis rate for collagen was relatively constant, and the average synthesis rate on the day of surgery (2-14 days after the rupture) was 0.025% per hour, irrespective of the length of time after a rupture and the site of sampling (rupture vs control). No differences were found in the FSR between the rupture and control samples in the days after the rupture. Conclusion: Higher than normal tissue turnover in the Achilles tendon before a rupture indicated that changes in the tendon tissue preceded the injury. In addition, we observed no increase in tendon collagen tissue turnover in the first 2 weeks after an ATR. This favors the view that an increase in the formation of new tendon collagen is not an immediate phenomenon during the regeneration of ruptured tendons in patients. Registration: NCT03931486 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Shear wave elastography correlates to degeneration and stiffness of the long head of the biceps tendon in patients undergoing tenodesis with arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon causes degeneration and changes its stiffness. However, a reliable means of diagnosis has not been established. Shear wave elastography (SWE) provides quantitative tissue elasticity measurements. In this study, the relationship of preoperative SWE values with biomechanically measured stiffness and degeneration of the LHB tendon tissue was investigated. LHB tendons were obtained from 18 patients who underwent arthroscopic tenodesis. SWE values were measured preoperatively at 2 sites, proximal to and within the bicipital groove of the LHB tendon. The LHB tendons were detached immediately proximal to the fixed sites and at their superior labrum insertion. Tissue degeneration was histologically quantified using the modified Bonar score. Tendon stiffness was determined using a tensile testing machine. The SWE values of the LHB tendon were 502.1±113.6kPa proximal to the groove and 439.4±123.3kPa within the groove. The stiffness was 39.3±19.2N/mm. The SWE values displayed a moderate positive correlation with the stiffness proximal to the groove (r=0.80) and within it (r=0.72). The SWE value of the LHB tendon within the groove showed a moderate negative correlation with the modified Bonar score (r=-0.74). These findings suggest that preoperative SWE values of the LHB tendon correlate moderately positively with stiffness and moderately negatively with tissue degeneration. Therefore, SWE may predict LHB tendon tissue degeneration and changes in stiffness caused by tendinopathy.

An evaluation of shear wave elastographic characteristics of the supraspinatus tendon after rotator cuff repair.

The main complication of rotator cuff repair is retear, which is most common in older patients and patients with greater tear sizes. However, it is unknown why these factors are associated with increased rates of retear. The aim of this study was to determine whether the factors associated with rotator cuff retear (age, tear size, sex, history of trauma, and duration of symptoms) are also associated with decreased mechanical stiffness of the supraspinatus tendon after repair, as assessed by shear wave elastography. This was a prospective study of 50 patients undergoing primary rotator cuff repair. A sonographer conducted shear wave elastography ultrasound in all patients at 1, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after repair. The shear wave velocity of the supraspinatus tendon was measured at the tendon-bone interface, 3 mm medial to the interface, and 6 mm medial to the interface. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed with calculation of Cohen F2 values to determine the factors that independently affected supraspinatus tendon stiffness postoperatively. For every decade increase in age, the shear wave velocity of the supraspinatus tendon decreased by 0.5 m/s (P=.004). Greater tear size correlated with reduced supraspinatus shear wave velocity (P<.03 at 6 weeks). Male patients had greater supraspinatus tendon stiffness than female patients (8.2 m/s vs. 6.9 m/s, P=.04). Tendons in patients with a history of trauma were approximately 16% stiffer postoperatively than those in patients with no trauma history (P<.001). Duration of symptoms had no impact on the mechanical stiffness of the supraspinatus tendon. Older age, larger tear size, female sex, and nontraumatic tear causation were independently associated with reduced shear wave velocity of the supraspinatus tendon postoperatively. The findings of our study correlate with the results of cohort studies assessing the influence of these variables on rotator cuff retear rates, suggesting that the mechanical stiffness of the supraspinatus tendon, as assessed by shear wave elastography, may have an important association with a successful repair.