scholarly journals Effects of Achilles Tendon Moment Arm Length on Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 6631
Author(s):  
Takuma Miyamoto ◽  
Yasushi Shinohara ◽  
Tomohiro Matsui ◽  
Hiroaki Kurokawa ◽  
Akira Taniguchi ◽  
...  

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is caused by traction force of the tendon. The effectiveness of the suture bridge technique in correcting it is unknown. We examined the moment arm in patients with IAT before and after surgery using the suture bridge technique, in comparison to that of healthy individuals. We hypothesized that the suture bridge method influences the moment arm length. An IAT group comprising 10 feet belonging to 8 patients requiring surgical treatment for IAT were followed up postoperatively and compared with a control group comprising 15 feet of 15 healthy individuals with no ankle complaints or history of trauma or surgery. The ratio of the moment arm (MA) length/foot length was found to be statistically significant between the control group, the IAT group preoperatively and the IAT group postoperatively (p < 0.01). Despite no significant difference in the force between the control and preoperative IAT groups, a significantly higher force to the Achilles tendon was observed in the IAT group postoperatively compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that a long moment arm may be one of the causes of IAT, and the suture bridge technique may reduce the Achilles tendon moment arm.

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110038
Author(s):  
Marut Arunakul ◽  
Waroot Pholsawatchai ◽  
Preeyaphan Arunakul ◽  
Akaradech Pitakveerakul

Background: No studies have compared early vs conventional postoperative weightbearing following suture bridge Achilles tendon reattachment. We, therefore, evaluated postoperative functional outcomes in these patients. Methods: We collected data on 49 patients who underwent surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy using a central Achilles tendon-splitting approach and reattachment with suture bridge technique by a single surgeon. Functional outcomes were measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The differences in outcomes were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results: Eighteen and 31 patients underwent the conventional and accelerated protocols, respectively; their corresponding mean ages were similar, 53 and 57 years, as were all other baseline characteristics. The mean scores (conventional vs accelerated group) for VAS for pain, FAAM, and SF-36 in the conventional group at 3 months postoperatively were 4 ± 1 vs 3 ± 1 points, 53 ± 8 vs 68 ± 3 points, and 57 ± 15 vs 67 ± 10 points ( P < .05 for each comparison). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. All patients could perform the single heel raise test at 6 months, and none experienced complications. Conclusion: In this small study, short-term functional outcomes were better in the accelerated group. More data are needed before the accelerated program can be recommended. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.


Author(s):  
Eleni E. Drakonaki ◽  
Khaldun Ghali Gataa ◽  
Pawel Szaro

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine the anatomic variations at the level of the distal soleus musculotendinous junction and the possible association between the length of the free tendon and the development of symptomatic Achilles tendinopathy. Methods We retrospectively assessed 72 ankle MRI studies with findings of Achilles tendinopathy (study group, 26 females/46 males, mean age 52.6 ± 10.5 years, 30 right/42 left) and 72 ankle MRI studies with normal Achilles tendon (control group, 32 females/40 males, mean age 35.7 ± 13.7 years, 42 right/30 left side). We measured the distance from the lowest outline of the soleus myotendinous junction to the proximal outline of the Achilles tendon insertion (length of the free tendon, diameter a) and to the distal outline of the insertion (distance B). We also measured the maximum thickness of the free tendon (diameter c) and the distance between the levels of maximum thickness to the proximal outline of the Achilles tendon insertion (distance D). All measurements were assessed twice. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t test. Results Distances A and B were significantly larger in tendinopathic tendons (59.7 and 83.4 mm, respectively) than normal Achilles tendons (38.5 and 60.8 mm, respectively) (p = 0.001). Mean distance C was larger in tendinopathic than normal tendons (11.2 versus 4.9 mm). Distances C and D were significantly larger in males than females. There was no significant difference in the measurements between sides. Conclusion There is wide anatomical variation in the length of the free Achilles tendon. Tendinopathy may be associated with the thicker free part of the Achilles tendon. The anatomical variant of the high soleus musculotendinous junction resulting in a longer free Achilles tendon may be a predisposing factor to the development of tendinopathy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2165
Author(s):  
Du-Hwan Kim ◽  
Jae-Hyeong Choi ◽  
Chul-Hyun Park ◽  
Hee-Jin Park ◽  
Kyung-Jae Yoon ◽  
...  

No consensus exists concerning the diagnostic role or cutoff value of the Achilles tendon thickness on ultrasonography (US) for the diagnosis of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. This study sought to assess the diagnostic utility of US measurement of the thickness and echogenicity of the Achilles tendon for the insertional Achilles tendinopathy in patients with heel pain, and to compare the results with those of the plantar fascia for the plantar fasciitis. We conducted US examinations in consecutive patients who presented with unilateral or bilateral heel pain at the foot clinic of a single tertiary hospital from February 2016 to December 2020. Each US evaluation assessed the thickness and echogenicity of the insertion area of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. We retrospectively compared these parameters between patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis and normal controls and analyzed the diagnostic utility of these parameters. Based on clinical diagnosis, 44 feet were diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy, 109 feet were diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, and 32 feet were classified as normal. There was a significant difference in the thickness of the plantar fascia between the plantar fasciitis and normal control groups (p = 0.032). There was also a significant difference in the echogenicity of the plantar fascia between the plantar fasciitis and normal groups (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the thickness of the insertional area of the Achilles tendon between the insertional Achilles tendinopathy and normal groups (p = 0.132). There was a significant difference in the echogenicity of the insertional area of the Achilles tendon between the insertional Achilles tendinopathy and normal groups (p < 0.001). US measurement of the thickness of the insertional area of the Achilles tendon might not reflect the clinical status of insertional Achilles tendinopathy, unlike that of plantar fasciitis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000979
Author(s):  
Håkan Alfredson ◽  
Lorenzo Masci ◽  
Christoph Spang

ObjectivesChronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy is known to be difficult to manage. The diagnosis is not always easy because multiple different tissues can be involved. The plantaris tendon has recently been described to frequently be involved in chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. This study aimed to evaluate possible plantaris tendon involvement in patients with chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy.MethodsNinety-nine consecutive patients (74 males, 25 females) with a mean age of 40 years (range 24–64) who were surgically treated for insertional Achilles tendinopathy, were included. Clinical examination, ultrasound (US)+Doppler examination, and surgical findings were used to evaluate plantaris tendon involvement.ResultsIn 48/99 patients, there were clinical symptoms of plantaris tendon involvement with pain and tenderness located medially at the Achilles tendon insertion. In all these cases, surgical findings showed a thick and wide plantaris tendon together with a richly vascularised fatty infiltration between the plantaris and Achilles tendon. US examination suspected plantaris involvement in 32/48 patients.ConclusionPlantaris tendon involvement can potentially be part of the pathology in chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy and should be considered for diagnosis and treatment when there is distinct and focal medial pain and tenderness.Level of evidenceIV case series.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gafin Ericson Morgan ◽  
Rhodri Martin ◽  
Lisa Williams ◽  
Owen Pearce ◽  
Keith Morris

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to establish quantitative values for asymptomatic and symptomatic Achilles tendons.DesignCohort study with a single (cross-sectional) time point of patients diagnosed with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy and an asymptomatic group with comparative homogeneity.MethodsA sample of 50 participants: 25 diagnosed with symptomatic unilateral Achilles tendinopathy (AT group) and 25 with asymptomatic Achilles tendons (control group 2). The asymptomatic side of the AT group was used as a control (control group 1). Measurements at 2 cm intervals on the tendon from its insertion at the calcaneum up to the musculotendinous junction were taken non-weight bearing (NWB) and weight bearing (WB) using the MyotonPRO.ResultsThere was a significant (p<0.005) decrease in natural oscillation frequency (F) at points 2, 3 and 4 of the AT group (NWB condition) and points 2 and 3 for the WB condition. There was a significant (p<0.005) increase in logarithmic decrement (D) at points 2 and 3 signifying a decrease in elasticity. Dynamic stiffness (S) was significantly (p<0.005) reduced in the AT group at points 2 and 3 WB and point 3 WB. There was no significant difference in creep (C) observed between the symptomatic and asymptomatic tendons. There was a significant (p<0.005) increase in mechanical stress relaxation time (R) at point 2 NWB.There was a correlation between body weight and gender on tendon mechanics, with the symptomatic tendons. No significant differences were observed between the control group 1 and control group 2.ConclusionsThe MyotonPRO measured decreased stiffness over a section of the tendon corresponding clinically with Achilles tendinopathy. This may have potential in identifying risk of injury and informing rehabilitation, however further extensive research is required to generate baseline data for specific population groups monitoring variables over time. Age, gender and body mass index appear to have some bearing on the mechanical properties of the tendon but mainly in the tendinopathy group.


Cholesterol ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Tavoosi ◽  
Hemen Moradi-Sardareh ◽  
Massoud Saidijam ◽  
Reza Yadegarazari ◽  
Shiva Borzuei ◽  
...  

ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes encode the cholesterol transporter proteins that play a key role in cholesterol and phospholipids homeostasis. This study was aimed at evaluating and comparing ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes expression in metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals. This case-control study was performed on 36 patients with metabolic syndrome and the same number of healthy individuals in Hamadan (west of Iran) during 2013-2014. Total RNA was extracted from mononuclear cells and purified using RNeasy Mini Kit column. The expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 genes was performed by qRT-PCR. Lipid profile and fasting blood glucose were measured using colorimetric procedures. ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients was significantly lower (about 75%) compared to that of control group, while for ABCA1 expression, there was no significant difference between the two studied groups. Comparison of other parameters such as HDL-C, FBS, BMI, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure between metabolic syndrome patients and healthy individuals showed significant differences (P<0.05). Decrease in ABCG1 expression in metabolic syndrome patients compared to healthy individuals suggests that hyperglycemia, related metabolites, and hyperlipidemia over the transporter capacity resulted in decreased expression of ABCG1. Absence of a significant change in ABCA1 gene expression between two groups can indicate a different regulation mechanism for ABCA1 expression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-415
Author(s):  
Köksal Sarıhan ◽  
Hülya Uzkeser ◽  
Akın Erdal

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether fibromyalgia patients had a higher fall risk compared to healthy individuals and to identify its relationship, if there was an increase, with clinical features. Patients and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 50 consecutive female patients with fibromyalgia (median age: 35 years; interquantile range [IQR], 27 to 40 years) and 50 healthy female volunteers (median age: 30 years; IQR, 23 to 40 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), life quality with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance functions with the Berg Balance Test (BBT), and the risk of falls with a posturography device. Disease activity of fibromyalgia patients was evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: The mean fall risk index of the fibromyalgia patients was 45%. The fall risk index was significantly higher (p=0.010) and the BBT scores were significantly lower in the patient group (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in terms of fall risk between the control group and drug-free fibromyalgia patients; however, no significant difference was found between the balance scores of the two groups. In the fibromyalgia group, a weak positive relationship was determined between the fall risk index and the social isolation subscale of the NHP. Conclusion: Our study results showed an increased risk of loss of balance and falls in fibromyalgia patients, compared to healthy individuals. This fall risk increase was also detected in fibromyalgia patients who did not use drugs. These findings suggest a possible relationship between social isolation and an increased risk of falls.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 361-373
Author(s):  
Elias Ferreira Porto ◽  
Claudia Kumpel ◽  
Anselmo Cordeiro de Souza ◽  
Izabel Maria de Oliveira ◽  
Karoline Mayara de Aquiles Bernardo ◽  
...  

Avaliar o estilo de vida e percepção do estado geral de saúde em pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 - DM, Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica - HAS e indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com grupo controle. Avaliado estilo de vida com Questionário Fantástico, e percepção geral de saúde via uma pergunta âncora de diabéticos do tipo 2 (n = 37), hipertensos (n = 60), e indivíduos saudáveis (n = 43). Análise estatística descritiva, analise de variância, e razão de chance (Odds Rattio – OR). Resultados: Verificou-se diferença significante (p0,0001) na pontuação do Questionário Fantástico entre os indivíduos saudáveis em relação DM e HAS. O pior desempenho no estilo de vida para os três grupos foi nos domínios de atividade física e alimentação. O risco do indivíduo com HAS afirmar que sua saúde é pior do que indivíduos da mesma faixa etária foi OR 1.8 (1.415 a 2.419) e para os indivíduos diabéticos OR de 2.8 (1.776 a 4.579) em relação a indivíduos saudáveis. Conclusão: Diabéticos e hipertensos têm um pior estilo de vida e percepção geral de saúde do que indivíduos saudáveis. Assim o estilo de vida saudável pode reduzir a prevalência e auxiliar no controle de doenças já estabelecidas.Palavras-chave: Estilo de vida. Hipertensão Arterial. Diabetes Mellitus. ABSTRACT: To evaluate the lifestyle and perception of general health status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - DM, systemic arterial hypertension - SAH and healthy individuals. Methods: Cross-sectional study with control group. (N = 37), hypertensive (n = 60), and healthy subjects (n = 43) were assessed using a Fantastic Questionnaire, and general health perception via an anchor question. Descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance, and odds ratio (Odds Rattio - OR). Results: There was a significant difference (p 0.0001) in the score of the Fantastic Questionnaire among healthy individuals in relation to DM and SAH. The worst lifestyle performance for the three groups was in the physical activity and feeding domains. The risk of the individual with SAH to state that their health is worse than individuals of the same age group was OR 1.8 (1.415 to 2.419) and for the diabetic individuals OR of 2.8 (1.776 to 4.579) in relation to healthy individuals. Conclusion: Diabetics and hypertensives have a worse lifestyle and overall health perception than healthy individuals. Thus the healthy lifestyle can reduce the prevalence and help in the control of already established diseases.Keywords: Lifestyle. Hypertension. Diabetes Mellitus.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-144
Author(s):  
Patrick C Wheeler

Introduction: To identify the possible prevalence of ‘central sensitisation’, in patients with chronic recalcitrant lower limb tendinopathy conditions, with the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI) questionnaire. Methods: Patients with chronic lower limb tendinopathy conditions treated within a single hospital outpatient clinic specialising in tendinopathy were identified from clinical records. As part of routine care, self-reported numerical markers of pain, global function (using the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire) and the CSI score to investigate the possibility of central sensitisation were completed. Results: A total of 312 suitable patients with chronic lower limb tendinopathy and similar conditions were identified, who had completed a CSI questionnaire. Of these, 108 presented with greater trochanteric pain syndrome, 12 with patella tendinopathy, 33 with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, 48 with insertional Achilles tendinopathy and 110 with plantar fasciitis. A total of 66% of the patients were female, the median age was 54.9 years and the median duration of symptoms was 24 months. There was a median CSI score of 25%, with statistically significant differences noted between the different conditions studied. Overall, 20% of patients scored above a threshold of 40% on CSI questionnaire, indicating that central sensitisation was possible. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome and plantar fasciitis had the highest proportions in the conditions studied. Weak correlations were found between CSI and other pain scores studied. Conclusion: The CSI questionnaire may identify up to a quarter of patients with some chronic lower limb tendinopathy and associated conditions as being more likely to have central sensitisation, and these proportions differed between conditions. The clinical significance of this is unclear, but worth further study to see if/how this may relate to treatment outcomes. These are results from a single hospital clinic dealing with patients with chronic tendinopathy, and comparison with a control group is currently lacking. However, on the information presented here, the concept of central sensitisation should be considered in patients being treated for chronic tendinopathy.


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