Prevalence of Asymptomatic Achilles Tendinosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1205-1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter C. Noback ◽  
Christina E. Freibott ◽  
Direk Tantigate ◽  
Eugene Jang ◽  
Justin K. Greisberg ◽  
...  

Background: Most patients who sustain Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) have no clinical symptoms prior to ATR. The objective of this study was to define the prevalence of ultrasound-detectable Achilles tendinopathy in asymptomatic patients in an at-risk group. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from a group of volunteers. All participants were given IPAQ questionnaires to gauge daily activity level, in addition to a demographic form. Participants underwent a physical examination, Silfverskiold test, and an ultrasonographic examination to evaluate for presence of Achilles tendinopathy. Fifty-one volunteers (30 female, 21 male) and 102 Achilles tendons were assessed in this study. The mean age was 27.4±6.3, with an average BMI of 23.5±3.9. Ninety-two percent of participants were categorized as having moderate or high activity levels per the iPAQ questionnaire. Results: Sixteen tendons had at least 1 abnormality: 10 (9.8%) had hypoechoic foci, 9 (8.8%) had calcifications, 1 (0.9%) had increased vascularity, and 1 (0.9%) had a low-grade interstitial tear. Approximately 40% of patients were noted to have a gastroc equinus contracture on Silfverskiold testing. In addition, 14.7% of patients with a gastroc equinus had a hypoechoic focus compared to 8.6% of patients without gastroc equinus ( P = .5003). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an increased BMI was a significant risk factor for having an Achilles tendon abnormality on ultrasonography ( P < .01, odds ratio = 1.41). Conclusion: In this study, 16% of the Achilles tendons were abnormal and had at least 1 abnormality on ultrasonography. This group of patients was generally young, healthy, and active, thus a group at risk for ATRs. Only 40% of patients had gastrocnemius equinus, although a slightly higher non-significant percentage of those with hypoechoic foci had gastrocnemius equinus. It may be advantageous to prophylactically treat these patients with rehabilitation exercises to minimize the risk of ATR. Level of Evidence: Level II, comparative prognostic study.

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.


2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 2210-2215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Malliaras ◽  
Paula J. Richards ◽  
Giorgio Garau ◽  
Nicola Maffulli

Background Tendon Doppler flow may be associated with tendon pain in symptomatic patients, but the relationship between Doppler flow and pain among athletes who are still competing is unclear. Hypothesis Among active athletes, Doppler flow may partly reflect tendon adaptation to increased mechanical load and/or asymptomatic tendinopathy. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods The Achilles tendons of 61 badminton players (24 elite, 37 recreational) were examined with gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound. Achilles tendon pain and activity level (badminton training, badminton playing, badminton years) were measured. Results Doppler flow was not associated with current Achilles tendon pain but was associated with an increased anteroposterior tendon diameter (an indicator of tendinopathy) ( P = .02). Athletes who had been playing badminton for longer were more likely to have Doppler flow ( P< .01), and there was a trend toward an association between a greater number of badminton playing hours per week and Doppler flow ( P = .07). Conclusion Achilles tendon Doppler flow appears to be a sign of asymptomatic tendinopathy rather than pain among active athletes. The association between weekly badminton hours and badminton years and Doppler flow suggests that Doppler flow may be a response to mechanical load in this cohort.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Marcelo de Pinho Teixeira Alves ◽  
João Pedro Gouveia Nóbrega

Background: The spectrum of neurological complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection is under constant investigation. According to numerous publications, occurrence of neurological complications can be about 36.4%. There are no reports to date of the occurrence of bilateral median nerve neuritis in the wrist after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Case: A previously healthy 24 years old female was observed in March 2021 due to dysesthesias in both hands, associated with nocturnal discomfort and decreased grip strength. The symptoms started a month earlier with acroparesthesias. SARS-CoV-2 virus infection was in January 2021 and evolved favorably, with progressive remission in about 10 days. Prior to the infection she didn’t have any of the hand symptoms; denied diabetes or metabolic diseases. Negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection since February. April 2021, the patient returned with persistent dysesthesias in her hands. Normal EMG, however with Sensitive Conduction Speed (SCS) of 50 m/sec on the right wrist; on the left SCS 55 m/sec. Sensitive latency 2.8 on the right and 2.6 on the left. Amplitude 17 on the right and 24 on the left. MRI detected an increase in signal in PDFS sequences in both median nerves, in the carpal tunnel, with no detected variations in cross-sectional areas or masses. The treatment was a 30 days 150 mg benfotiamine in two daily doses. Discussion: There is a wide variation in the clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, ranging from asymptomatic patients to death. Most frequent symptoms are fever, dry cough, sore throat, dyspnea, myalgia, fatigue, chills, diarrhea, chest pain and vomiting, and the most common complications pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Neurological manifestations of viral infection can occur in about 36.4% and in 45.5% in severe disease. They include Guillán-Barré and Miller Fischer syndrome; however, these conditions usually occur in more severe cases of the disease, but this patient hadn’t the typical picture of ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and areflexia. Benfotiamine is a synthetic derivative of thiamine with a multifaceted therapeutic profile, with a therapeutic role especially in diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion: Knowledge and recognition of neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and early detection of secondary peripheral neuropathies result in improvement of patients' clinical results and development of ideal ways of treatment. Although only a small percentage of patients develop peripheral neuropathy, in a pandemic this can result in a major social and health impact. The reported case is the first case of bilateral secondary median nerve neuritis in the literature. Level of evidence 4.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712110625
Author(s):  
Maximilian Hinz ◽  
Benjamin D. Kleim ◽  
Daniel P. Berthold ◽  
Stephanie Geyer ◽  
Christophe Lambert ◽  
...  

Background: Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) is a growing martial art that focuses on grappling techniques. Purpose: To quantify the 3-year incidence of BJJ-related injuries and detect common injury patterns as well as risk factors among those practicing BJJ. It was hypothesized that there would be a high incidence of injuries, they would be caused by submissions in sparring situations, and they would occur predominantly at the extremities. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Active BJJ athletes were invited to take an English-language online survey developed by orthopaedic surgeons together with BJJ athletes and a sports scientist. Data were recorded regarding athlete demographics, sporting activity level, injuries within the past 3 years that caused at least a 2-week time loss, injury mechanisms, and return to sport. Results: Overall, 1140 responses were received from 62 different countries; 88.9% of all athletes were male, and 63.9% were regular competitors. Within the investigated cohort, 1052 injuries were recorded in 784 athletes, for an injury incidence of 308 per 1000 athletes per year. The lower extremity (45.7%) and upper extremity (30.2%) were predominant sites of injury, with injuries to the knee (27.1%) being the most common. The most frequent knee injuries were meniscal injuries (n = 65), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears (n = 36), and medial collateral ligament injuries (n = 36). ACL tears were especially associated with long time frames for return to sport. Most injuries occurred during sparring (77.6%) and were caused by submissions (29.7%) and takedowns (26.4%). Competing regularly ( P = .003), older age ( P < .001), and higher belt rank ( P = .003) were significant risk factors for injury. Conclusion: Injury incidence was high among BJJ athletes surveyed, with 2 out of 3 athletes reporting at least 1 injury within a 3-year period that caused a 2-week absence from training. Most injuries occurred during sparring, and we believe that a high potential for injury reduction lies in drawing awareness to common injury patterns and sites in athletes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-149
Author(s):  
E. de Corso ◽  
M. Battista ◽  
M. Pandolfini ◽  
L. Liberati ◽  
S. Baroni ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the role of inflammation in non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) patients in a large series to establish the prevalence of different NAR-subtypes, clinical features and the role of nasal cytology in the diagnostic algorithm. Methodology: Patients were selected out of 3650 individuals who spontaneously presented at our institution. We consecutively enrolled 519 NAR-patients in an analytical cross-sectional study between November 2007 and June 2013 (level of evidence: 3b). All patients underwent rhinological evaluation including symptoms questionnaire, endoscopy, CT scan, allergy tests and nasal cytology. Results: The inflammatory cell infiltrate affects the severity of symptoms differently, allowing for identification of different phenotypes of NAR. We distinguished two groups: “NAR without inflammation”(NAR-) and “NAR with inflammation”(NAR+), in addition to different NAR-subtypes with inflammation. A significant difference was observed in terms of clinical symptoms and association with comorbidities (previously diagnosed asthma and aspirin intolerance) between NAR–, NAR+ and between different NAR+ subtypes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that NAR- and NAR with neutrophils behave similarly, showing lower symptom score values and a lower risk of association with comorbidities compared to NAR with eosinophils and mast cells (singularly or mixed). In our belief it is very important to establish the presence and type of inflammation in non-allergic rhinitis patients and nasal cytology is a very useful test in correct differential diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhang ◽  
PZ Zhao ◽  
WJ Ke ◽  
LY Wang ◽  
Lai Sze Tso ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) causes urogenital tract infections and is associated with reproductive morbidity. Although MG has been reported across many regions and population groups, it is not yet routinely tested for in China. Our study contributes to current research by reporting the prevalence and correlates of MG infection in patients attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Guangdong from Jan 2017-May 2018.Methods: Urethral (from 489 men) and endo-cervical (from 189 women) samples, blood samples, and patient histories (via questionnaires) were collected. Doctors clinically diagnosed anogenital warts (GW) during the examination (n=678). The presence of MG was evaluated using an in-house via polymerase chain reaction protocol. We also tested all participants for herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), syphilis and HIV. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate factors associated with MG.Results: MG was detected in 7.2% (49/678) of the patients (men, 7.4%; women, 6.9%). The MG positivity rate was 14.2% among symptomatic patients, and 5.6% for asymptomatic patients , respectively. Only 36.7% (18/49) Mg positive patients were symptomatic. Among the MG-infected patients, 10.2% were co-infected with CT, 6.1% with NG, 8.2% with HSV-2, 4.1% with syphilis and 22.4% with GW. Presentation with clinical symptoms was significantly associated with MG infection [OR=2.52 (2.03-3.13)]. In our analysis, MG was not associated with other STIs.Conclusions: MG is a relatively common infection among individuals attending an STI clinic in Guangdong Province. Routine testing of symptomatic patients may be necessary, and more epidemiological studies are needed to provide evidence for future testing guidelines,


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeeha Laghari ◽  
Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman ◽  
Amer Hayat Khan ◽  
Bandeh Ali Talpur ◽  
Zohra Bhatti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Source case investigation, for children with tuberculosis (TB), is conducted to establish the source of infection and to minimize the extent of on-going transmission from infectious persons in the community. The aim of the study was to evaluate the secondary TB cases and to investigate the risk factors in developing TB among the household contacts (HHC) of children with active TB. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted where 443 caregivers, of 508 children with active TB receiving treatment, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the risk factors for TB. Results A total of 2397 family members at the median of 5 persons were recorded. Of these, 223 (9.3%) were screened on symptoms basis and 35 (15.7%) of these contacts were diagnosed with TB. Multivariate analysis revealed HHC with TB (OR = 15.288, 95% CI: 5.378–43.457), HHC with smoking (OR = 7.094, 95% CI: 2.128–23.648), and contact of > 18 h with TB individual (OR = 4.681, 95% CI: 1.198–18.294) as statistically significant risk factors of TB among the HHC. Conclusion With the current system of contact screening for TB, only 9.3% of all HHC were screened. The low rates of contacts screened are possibly a repercussion of the passive nature of the program, which mainly depend on distinctive clinical symptoms being experienced by the contacts. Strategies are required to certify adherence with contact screening among children with active TB and to critically consider the factors responsible for TB transmission.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
Cristóbal San Martín-Mohr ◽  
Andrés Valladares ◽  
Iver Cristi ◽  
Francisco José Berral ◽  
Claudio Oyarzo ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the differences in knee sensorimotor control between healthy men and women by measuring the joint position sense (JPS), sensation of muscle tension (steadiness), and onset of muscle activation (OMA). Methods: Twenty-four healthy women and 27 healthy men were tested. Knee sensorimotor control was assessed using the JPS test with electrogoniometers in 3 different ranges of motion, sensation of muscle tension using the isometric steadiness technique, and OMA against a mechanical perturbation. Each assessment was compared by sex, physical activity level, and right or left lower limb. Results: The men obtained better values in the JPS test between 90º and 60º and between 30º and 0º than the women. The subjects with higher levels of physical activity also showed better values, between 90º and 60º and between 30º and 0º. The best results for steadiness were found in the women and the subjects with higher levels of physical activity. In the OMA test, no significant differences were found in the studied variables. Conclusion: The results suggest that higher levels of physical activity may determine better sensorimotor control. Men have better articular sensation, and women have better muscle strength control. Level of evidence III, Cross sectional study.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Håkan Alfredson ◽  
Lorenzo Masci ◽  
Christoph Spang

ObjectivesSurgical removal of the plantaris tendon can cure plantaris-associated Achilles tendinopathy, a condition in which Achilles and plantaris tendinopathy coexist. However, rare cases with plantaris tendinopathy alone are often misdiagnosed due to a normal Achilles tendon.Design and settingProspective case series study at one centre.ParticipantsTen consecutive patients (9 men and one woman, mean age 35 years, range 19–67) with plantaris tendon-related pain alone in altogether 13 tendons were included. All had had a long duration (median 10 months, range 3 months to 10 years) of pain symptoms on the medial side of the Achilles tendon mid-portion. Preoperative ultrasound showed thickened plantaris tendon but a normal Achilles tendon.InterventionsOperative treatment consisting of ultrasound-guided excision of the plantaris tendon.Primary and secondary outcome measuresScores from Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A)were taken preoperatively and postoperatively (median duration 10 months). Patient satisfaction and time until full return to sports activity level was asked by a questionnaire.ResultsThe VISA-A scores increased from 61 (range 45–81) preoperatively to 97 (range 94–100) postoperatively (p<0.01). Follow-up results at 10 months (range 7–72 months) on 9/10 patients showed full satisfaction and return to their preinjury sports or recreational activityConclusionThe plantaris tendon should be kept in mind when evaluating painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region, especially when no Achilles tendinopathy is present. Excision of the plantaris tendon via a minor surgical procedure in local anaesthesia results in a good outcome.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 2034-2043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Ploug Boesen ◽  
Rudi Hansen ◽  
Morten Ilum Boesen ◽  
Peter Malliaras ◽  
Henning Langberg

Background: Injection therapies are often considered alongside exercise for chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy (AT), although evidence of their efficacy is sparse. Purpose: To determine whether eccentric training in combination with high-volume injection (HVI) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections improves outcomes in AT. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 60 men (age, 18-59 years) with chronic (>3 months) AT were included and followed for 6 months (n = 57). All participants performed eccentric training combined with either (1) one HVI (steroid, saline, and local anesthetic), (2) four PRP injections each 14 days apart, or (3) placebo (a few drops of saline under the skin). Randomization was stratified for age, function, and symptom severity (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles [VISA-A]). Outcomes included function and symptoms (VISA-A), self-reported tendon pain during activity (visual analog pain scale [VAS]), tendon thickness and intratendinous vascularity (ultrasonographic imaging and Doppler signal), and muscle function (heel-rise test). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-up. Results: VISA-A scores improved in all groups at all time points ( P < .05), with greater improvement in the HVI group (mean ± SEM, 6 weeks = 27 ± 3 points; 12 weeks = 29 ± 4 points) versus PRP (6 weeks = 14 ± 4; 12 weeks = 15 ± 3) and placebo (6 weeks = 10 ± 3; 12 weeks = 11 ± 3) at 6 and 12 weeks ( P < .01) and in the HVI (22 ± 5) and PRP (20 ± 5) groups versus placebo (9 ± 3) at 24 weeks ( P < .01). VAS scores improved in all groups at all time points ( P < .05), with greater decrease in HVI (6 weeks = 49 ± 4 mm; 12 weeks = 45 ± 6 mm; 24 weeks = 34 ± 6 mm) and PRP (6 weeks = 37 ± 7 mm; 12 weeks = 41 ± 7 mm; 24 weeks = 37 ± 6 mm) versus placebo (6 weeks = 23 ± 6 mm; 12 weeks = 30 ± 5 mm; 24 weeks = 18 ± 6 mm) at all time points ( P < .05) and in HVI versus PRP at 6 weeks ( P < .05). Tendon thickness showed a significant decrease only in HVI and PRP groups during the intervention, and this was greater in the HVI versus PRP and placebo groups at 6 and 12 weeks ( P < .05) and in the HVI and PRP groups versus the placebo group at 24 weeks ( P < .05). Muscle function improved in the entire cohort with no difference between the groups. Conclusion: Treatment with HVI or PRP in combination with eccentric training in chronic AT seems more effective in reducing pain, improving activity level, and reducing tendon thickness and intratendinous vascularity than eccentric training alone. HVI may be more effective in improving outcomes of chronic AT than PRP in the short term. Registration: NCT02417987 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).


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