scholarly journals Tendon Structure Quantified using Ultrasound Imaging Differs Based on Location and Training Type

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenton L. Hagan ◽  
Todd Hullfish ◽  
Ellen Casey ◽  
Josh R. Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Loading ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Tendon Remodeling

AbstractAchilles tendinopathy is ten-times more common amongst running athletes compared to age-matched peers. Load induced tendon remodeling and its progression in an at-risk population of developing symptomatic tendinopathy is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to prospectively characterize Achilles and patellar tendon structure in competitive collegiate distance runners over different competitive seasons using quantitative ultrasound imaging. Twenty-two collegiate cross country runners and eleven controls were examined for this study. Longitudinal and cross-sectional ultrasound images of bilateral Achilles and patellar tendons were obtained at the one week prior to start of formal collegiate cross country practices, one week after the conclusion of cross country season, and one week prior to outdoor track and field championships. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, tendon thickness, and neovascularity were determined using well established image processing techniques. We found that Achilles and patellar tendons respond differently to high-volume running and transitions from one sport season to another, suggesting that tendon structure is sensitive to differences in tendon loading biomechanics. Our findings indicate that Achilles tendon structure in trained runners differ structurally to control tendons but is stable throughout training while patellar tendon structure changes in response to the transition in training volume between cross country and track seasons. These findings expand upon prior reports that some degree of tendon remodeling may act as a protective adaptation for sport specific loading.News and NoteworthyIn this study we prospectively examined the Achilles and patellar tendon structure of distance runners to determine if continued training through multiple seasons elicits tendon remodeling or pathology. We found that Achilles and patellar tendons respond uniquely to the changing loads required during each season. Achilles tendon collagen alignment is mostly stable throughout the competitive cycle, but the patellar tendon undergoes structural changes following the transition from cross-country to track season.

scholarly journals Tendon structure quantified using ultrasound imaging differs based on location and training type

2018 ◽  
Vol 125 (6) ◽  
pp. 1743-1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenton L. Hagan ◽  
Todd Hullfish ◽  
Ellen Casey ◽  
Josh R. Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Specific Loading ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Collagen Alignment ◽  
Tendon Remodeling ◽  
Tendon Collagen

Achilles tendinopathy is 10 times more common among running athletes compared with age-matched peers. Load-induced tendon remodeling and its progression in an at-risk population of developing symptomatic tendinopathy are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to prospectively characterize Achilles and patellar tendon structure in competitive collegiate distance runners over different competitive seasons using quantitative ultrasound imaging. Twenty-two collegiate cross-country runners and eleven controls were examined for this study. Ultrasound images of bilateral Achilles and patellar tendons were obtained near the start and end of the collegiate cross-country season and the conclusion outdoor track season. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, tendon thickness, and neovascularity were determined using well-established image processing techniques. Achilles tendon collagen was less aligned in runners compared with controls (28% greater) but improved slightly (7% decrease) after the completion of the track season. Conversely, patellar tendons in runners were similar to control tendons throughout the cross-country season but underwent collagen alignment (17% decrease) and tendon hypertrophy (21% increase). Our findings indicate that Achilles tendon structure in trained runners differs structurally from control tendons but is stable throughout training while patellar tendon structure changes in response to the transition in training volume between cross-country and track seasons. These findings expand upon prior reports that some degree of tendon remodeling may act as a protective adaptation for sport specific loading. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study we prospectively examined the Achilles and patellar tendon structure of distance runners to determine if continued training through multiple seasons elicits tendon remodeling or pathology. We found that Achilles and patellar tendons respond uniquely to the changing loads required during each season. Achilles tendon collagen alignment is mostly stable throughout the competitive cycle, but the patellar tendon structurally remodels following the transition from cross-country to track season.

scholarly journals Achilles tendon structure differs between competitive distance runners and nonrunners despite no clinical signs or symptoms of midsubstance tendinopathy

2018 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 453-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd J. Hullfish ◽  
Kenton L. Hagan ◽  
Ellen Casey ◽  
Josh R. Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Tendon Injury ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Distance Running ◽  
Distance Runners

Achilles tendinopathy affects many running athletes and often leads to chronic pain and functional deficits. Although changes in tendon structure have been linked with tendinopathy, the effects of distance running on tendon structure are not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize structural differences in the Achilles tendons in healthy young adults and competitive distance runners using quantitative ultrasound analyses. We hypothesized that competitive distance runners with no clinical signs or symptoms of tendinopathy would have quantitative signs of tendon damage, characterized by decreased collagen alignment and echogenicity, in addition to previous reports of thicker tendons. Longitudinal ultrasound images of the right Achilles tendon midsubstance were acquired in competitive distance runners and recreationally active adults. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, and tendon thickness were quantified using image processing techniques. Clinical assessments confirmed that runners had no signs or symptoms of tendinopathy, and controls were only included if they had no history of Achilles tendon pain or injuries. Runner tendons were 40% less organized, 48% thicker, and 41% less echogenic compared with the control tendons ( P < 0.001). Young adults engaged in competitive distance running have structurally different tendons than recreationally active young adults. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we quantified the Achilles tendon substructure in distance runners, and a control group of young adults, to determine whether distance running elicits structural adaptations of the tendon. We found that competitive distance runners have structurally compromised Achilles tendons despite not showing any clinical signs or symptoms of tendon injury. These findings suggest that distance running may stimulate structural changes as a protective mechanism against tendon pain and dysfunction.

scholarly journals Achilles tendon structure in distance runners does not change following a competitive season

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd J. Hullfish ◽  
Kenton L. Hagan ◽  
Ellen Casey ◽  
Josh R. Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Competitive Season ◽  
Tendon Thickness ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Right ◽  
Structural Indicators ◽  
Tendon Remodeling

AbstractAchilles tendon structure differs between trained distance runners and healthy controls, but the progression of tendon remodeling over the course of a competitive season is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify Achilles tendon structure at the beginning and completion of a cross country season. We hypothesized that athletes who did not develop tendinopathy would not present with changes in tendon structure. Ultrasound assessments of the right Achilles tendon mid-substance were performed to quantify tendon organization, thickness, and echogenicity. Subjective structural measures and reported outcomes were also collected to determine if tendinopathy was present in any of the subjects. None of the subjects developed symptomatic tendinopathy over the course of the competitive season, but one runner did show signs of mild neovascularization. Tendon organization and echogenicity did not change over the course of the season. Tendon thickness increased by 7% (P < 0.001) but the effect size was small (d = 0.36). Runners who do not develop symptomatic tendinopathy have habituated tendon structure that may serve as a protective mechanism against the rigors of distance running. Monitoring tendon structure may serve as a means of detecting signs of structural indicators of tendinopathy prior to the presentation of symptoms.

Postnatal ultrasound follow-up in neonates with prenatal hydronephrosis

Diagnosis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Kebriyaei ◽  
Ali Davoodi ◽  
Seyed Alinaghi Kazemi ◽  
Zahra Bazargani
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Left Kidney ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Fetal Ultrasound ◽  
Renal Anomalies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fetal Hydronephrosis ◽  
Kidney Involvement

Abstract Objectives Renal anomalies are the most common fetal abnormalities that occur during prenatal development, and are typically detected by observing hydronephrosis on fetal ultrasound imaging. Follow-up with post-natal ultrasound is important to detect clinically-important obstruction, because many of the pre-natal abnormalities resolve spontaneously. This study aimed to evaluate the postnatal hydronephrosis follow-up rate, and reasons for non follow-up in affected neonates. Methods In this cross-sectional study all neonates born during a period of one year at Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital with hydronephrosis on fetal ultrasound imaging were recruited. All mothers were also given face-to-face information about fetal hydronephrosis and its postnatal outcomes, and follow-up with at least a postnatal ultrasound was recommended from the fourth day of their neonates’ birth until the end of the fourth week. The neonates were subsequently observed for one month to determine the postnatal ultrasound follow-up rate and to reflect on diagnostic test results, reasons for failure to follow-up, as well as causes of hydronephrosis. Results In this study, 71 cases (1.2%) out of 5,952 neonates had fetal hydronephrosis on prenatal ultrasound images. The postnatal ultrasound imaging showed kidney involvement in 18 neonates (25%), particularly in the left kidney (61.1%). Seven neonates had no follow-up at one month (10%). No significant relationship was found between lack of follow-up and the neonates’ place of residence (p=0.42), maternal education (p=0.90), number of siblings (p=0.33), or gender (p=0.64). Conclusions Postnatal ultrasound follow-up rate in these neonates with a history of fetal hydronephrosis was incomplete even though parents had been provided with education and advice at their birth time. Accordingly, it is recommended to perform postnatal ultrasound once neonates are discharged from hospitals.

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF GINGIVAL INFLAMMATION USING HIGH-RESOLUTION ULTRASOUNDEX-VIVO

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (03) ◽  
pp. 1850012 ◽  
Author(s):  
AHMED M. SAYED ◽  
RACHEL LAMARCK ◽  
ELISA CRUZ ◽  
EROS CHAVES ◽  
OSAMA M. MUKDADI
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Ultrasound Image ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Gingival Inflammation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diagnostic Potential ◽  
Image Pairs

This study investigates the feasibility of using high-resolution ultrasound imaging echogenicity to quantitatively diagnose gingival inflammation. Gingival samples were extracted from the study participants during gingivectomy procedures. Ultrasound mechanical scanning of the samples was immediately conducted ex-vivo to render cross-sectional images of high resolution, at different locations. Samples’ histological preparation and analysis was followed after performing ultrasound imaging. Histological sections were then matched with ultrasound images at different sections for each gingival sample. The matched image pairs were used to estimate two quantitative measures; relative inflammation area and ultrasound image echogenicity. These parameters were employed to judge the diagnostic potential of gingival ultrasound imaging. The results show that ultrasound images exhibited low intensity levels at the inflamed gingival regions, while healthy layers showed higher intensity levels. The relative area parameter implied a strong relationship between ultrasound and histological images. Ultrasound echogenicity was found to be statistically significant in differentiating between some inflammation degrees in the studied gingival samples. In summary, ultrasound imaging has the potential to be a noninvasive adjunct diagnostic tool for gingival inflammation, and may help assess the stage of the disease and ultimately limit periodontal disease occurrence; taking into consideration the limits of this study.

Changes in Achilles’ Tendon Cross-sectional Area in Collegiate Cross-country Runners Across a Competitive Season

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 951
Author(s):  
Katy Neves ◽  
A Wayne Johnson ◽  
Joseph William Myrer ◽  
Coulter Neves ◽  
Jarom Bridges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Competitive Season ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Cross Country Runners

Morphological Characteristics of Passive and Active Structures of the Foot Across Populations With Different Levels of Physical Activity

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Reina-Martin ◽  
Santiago Navarro-Ledesma ◽  
Ana Belen Ortega-Avila ◽  
Kevin Deschamps ◽  
Alfonso Martinez-Franco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Plantar Fascia ◽  
Posterior Tibial Tendon ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Posterior Tibial ◽  
Longitudinal Measurement ◽  
The Right

Background: Imaging diagnosis plays a fundamental role in the evaluation and management of injuries suffered in sports activities. Objective: To analyze the differences in the thickness of the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, plantar fascia, and posterior tibial tendon in the following levels of physical activity: persons who run regularly, persons otherwise physically active, and persons with a sedentary lifestyle. Design: Cross-sectional and observational. Participants: The 91 volunteers recruited from students at the university and the Triathlon Club from December 2016 to June 2019. The data were obtained (age, body mass index, and visual analog scale for quality of life together with the ultrasound measurements). Results: Tendon and ligament thickness was greater in the runners group than in the sedentary and active groups with the exception of the posterior tibial tendon. The thickness of the Achilles tendon was greater in the runners than in the other groups for both limbs (P = .007 and P = .005). This was also the case for the cross-sectional area (P < .01) and the plantar fascia at the heel insertion in both limbs (P = .034 and P = .026) and for patellar tendon thickness for the longitudinal measurement (P < .01). At the transversal level, however, the differences were only significant in the right limb (P = .040). Conclusion: The thickness of the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, and patellar tendon is greater in runners than in persons who are otherwise active or who are sedentary.

scholarly journals Achilles Tendon Structure Differs Between Runners And Non-Runners Despite No Clinical Signs Or Symptoms Of Mid-Substance Tendinopathy

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd J. Hullfish ◽  
Kenton L. Hagan ◽  
Ellen Casey ◽  
Josh R. Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Distance Running ◽  
Distance Runners ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
The Right

AbstractAchilles tendinopathy affects many running athletes and often leads to chronic pain and functional deficits. While changes in tendon structure have been linked with tendinopathy, the effects of distance running on tendon structure is not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize structural differences in the Achilles tendons in healthy young adults and competitive distance runners using quantitative ultrasound analyses. We hypothesized that competitive distance runners with no clinical signs or symptoms of tendinopathy would have quantitative signs of tendon damage, characterized by decreased collagen alignment and echogenicity, in addition to previous reports of thicker tendons. Longitudinal ultrasound images of the right Achilles tendon mid-substance were acquired in competitive distance runners and recreationally-active adults. Collagen organization, mean echogenicity, and tendon thickness were quantified using image processing techniques. Clinical assessments confirmed that runners had no signs or symptoms of tendinopathy and controls were only included if they had no history of Achilles tendon pain or injuries. Runner tendons were 40% less organized, 48% thicker, and 41% less echogenic compared to the control tendons (p < 0.001). Young adults engaged in competitive distance-running have structurally different tendons than recreationally-active young adults. While these structural differences have been associated with tendon damage, the lack of clinical symptoms of tendinopathy may suggest that these detected differences may either be precursors of tendinopathy development or protective adaptations to cyclic tendon loading experienced during running.

scholarly journals Novel Quantitative Ultrasonic Analysis of Patellar Tendon in Collegiate Athlete Following Bilateral Debridement: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott K. Crawford ◽  
Ashley Rudolph ◽  
Aaron J. Engel ◽  
Jack W. Ransone ◽  
Gregory R. Bashford
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Patellar Tendon ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Division I ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Ultrasonic Analysis ◽  
Structural Adaptations ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract An NCAA Division I female basketball athlete (20 years, 190.5 cm, 87 kg) suffered from chronic tendinopathy. After failed conservative treatments, the athlete underwent bilateral open patellar debridement surgery. Pain and dysfunction were assessed via the Victorian Institute of Sport-P (VISA-P) with concurrently collected B-mode ultrasound images of the patellar tendon throughout a 12 month rehabilitation. Peak spatial frequency radius (PSFR), a quantitative ultrasound parameter previously shown to correlate to collagen organization, was compared to changes in VISA-P scores. An overall increase in PSFR values across 0, 30, 60, and 90° of knee flexion were observed throughout recovery. Despite increased PSFR and returning to sport, the athlete still reported significant pain. This level 3 exploration case report provides novel insight into ultrasonically-measured structural changes of the patellar tendon following surgery and during rehabilitation of an athlete suffering from chronic tendinopathy. Perceived pain measurements were not necessarily related to structural adaptations.

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