scholarly journals Influence of Preseason Versus In-Season Play on Achilles Tendon Injuries in the National Football League

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712110560
Author(s):  
Lauren V. Ready ◽  
Neill Y. Li ◽  
Samantha Worobey ◽  
Nicholas J. Lemme ◽  
Daniel S. Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
National Football League ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Player Profiles ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Physiological Risk

Background: A ruptured Achilles tendon (AT) can sideline a player for 6 to 12 months and reduce their power rankings by more than 50%. Previous research has compared AT rupture rates in different game conditions. Purpose: To determine environmental and physiological risk factors for AT tears, given the minimal amount of research on AT ruptures in the National Football League (NFL). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: NFL players with a diagnosed AT tear between 2009 and 2016 were selected as the study population for this retrospective analysis. Data on NFL injury were collected from an established database composed of publicly available information. Player profiles were employed to determine position, team, and game statistics at the time of injury. The proportion of NFL rookies was approximated by summing the number of draft picks and the number of signed, undrafted free agents and measured against the number of roster spots before the season. Results: Between 2009 and 2016, there were 101 documented AT tears. Of these, 64% (65/101) occurred before the official season, including preseason games. Of the 36 tears that occurred in-season, 34 were during games. Overall, 29% (19/65) of the preseason tears occurred in rookies and 100% (36/36) of the in-season tears affected nonrookies. Of the rookies with AT ruptures, 42.11% returned to play in the NFL, while 62.20% of the nonrookies came back to partake in future seasons. Despite an average age of 26.7 years, the tear distribution was bimodal with players aged 24 and 36 years exhibiting the highest rates of tear. Conclusion: In our review of AT tears in NFL athletes, a large percentage of the tears occurred in rookie players, especially during the preseason. We also found that tears during the season occurred in only nonrookies, suggesting that the preseason is when rookies experience the greatest risk for injury.

scholarly journals Operative Outcome of Side-Locking Loop Suture Technique Accompanied by Autologous Semitendinosus Tendon Grafting for Chronic Rupture of Achilles Tendon

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 247301142110035
Author(s):  
Keisuke Tsukada ◽  
Youichi Yasui ◽  
Maya Kubo ◽  
Shinya Miki ◽  
Kentaro Matsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Semitendinosus Tendon ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Operative Outcomes

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify the operative outcomes of the side-locking loop suture (SLLS) technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting for chronic Achilles tendon rupture. Methods: A chart review was conducted of consecutive patients treated with the SLLS technique at our department from 2012 to 2017. Postoperatively, a below-knee splint was applied for 2 weeks in 20 degrees of plantar flexion and then active range of motion exercise was started. Partial weightbearing exercise was allowed at 4 weeks according to patient tolerance, and full weightbearing without crutches was allowed at 8 weeks. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale score and the Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: Ten patients (6 men, 4 women) were included in the analysis. Mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale score increased significantly from 64.2 ± 5.6 points preoperatively to 95.0 ± 5.3 points at the final follow-up ( P < .001). The mean ATRS also increased significantly from 29.8 ± 4.4 points to 86.2 ± 7.7 points, respectively ( P < .001). Mean time between surgery and ability to perform 20 continuous double-leg heel raises of the operated foot was 13.5 ± 3.4 (range 10-18) weeks. One patient complained of postoperative hypoesthesia in the foot, which had spontaneously resolved by 3 months after surgery. Conclusion: The SLLS technique accompanied by autologous semitendinosus tendon grafting provided successful operative outcomes for patients with chronic Achilles tendon rupture regardless of the size of the defect, and thus long-term orthotic use was not needed after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

scholarly journals Ultrasound and surgical inspection of plantaris tendon involvement in chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000979
Author(s):  
Håkan Alfredson ◽  
Lorenzo Masci ◽  
Christoph Spang
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Fatty Infiltration ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Plantaris Tendon ◽  
Medial Pain ◽  
Tendon Insertion ◽  
Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

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.

Long-Term Evaluation of the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat Procedure for Patellar Instability

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1220-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph R. Carney ◽  
Timothy S. Mologne ◽  
Michael Muldoon ◽  
Jay S. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Term Evaluation ◽  
Subluxation Of The Patella

Background Few published articles exist reporting the long-term evaluation of the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure. Purpose To assess the long-term effect of the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure in preventing recurrent subluxation and dislocation of the patella. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Eighteen patients who underwent the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure for dislocation or subluxation of the patella were identified from a group previously evaluated at a mean follow-up of 3 years. The prevalence of recurrent subluxation or dislocation at a mean follow-up of 26 years was compared with the prevalence reported at the mean follow-up of 3 years. Although not the focus of this study, Cox functional scores were obtained from the smaller group and compared with the results at the 3-year follow-up. Results Seven percent (95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.32) of the patients had recurrent subluxation at 26 years compared with 7% (95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.13) of the study population reported at 3 years (P = 1.00). Fifty-four percent (95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.79) rated their affected knee as good or excellent at 26 years compared with 73% (95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.81) of the larger study population reported at 3 years (P = .14). Conclusion The prevalence of recurrent subluxation and dislocation in patients with patellofemoral malalignment who underwent the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure for dislocation or subluxation of the patella is similar at 3 and 26 years after the procedure. The long-term functional status of the affected knee in patients who underwent the Roux-Elmslie-Trillat procedure declined.

scholarly journals Electromyographic Evidence of Excessive Achilles Tendon Elongation During Isometric Contractions After Achilles Tendon Repair

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596711988335
Author(s):  
Malachy P. McHugh ◽  
Karl F. Orishimo ◽  
Ian J. Kremenic ◽  
Julia Adelman ◽  
Stephen J. Nicholas
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Muscle Fiber ◽  
Fourier Transforms ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Achilles Tendon Repair ◽  
Tendon Elongation

Background: Weakness in end-range plantarflexion has been demonstrated after Achilles tendon repair and may be because of excessive tendon elongation. The mean frequency (MNF) of surface electromyogram (EMG) data during isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) increases with muscle fiber shortening. Hypothesis: During isometric plantarflexion, MNF during MVCs will be higher on the involved side compared with the uninvolved side after Achilles tendon repair because of excessive tendon elongation and greater muscle fiber shortening. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Isometric plantarflexion MVC torque was measured at 20° and 10° dorsiflexion, neutral, and 10° and 20° plantarflexion in 17 patients (15 men, 2 women; mean age, 39 ± 9 years) at a mean 43 ± 26 months after surgery. Surface EMG signals were recorded during strength tests. MNF was calculated from fast Fourier transforms of medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and soleus (SOL) EMG signals. Results: Patients had marked weakness on the involved side versus the uninvolved side in 20° plantarflexion (deficit, 28% ± 18%; P < .001) but no significant weakness in 20° dorsiflexion (deficit, 8% ± 15%; P = .195). MNF increased when moving from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion ( P < .001), but overall, it was not different between the involved and uninvolved sides ( P = .195). However, differences in MNF between the involved and uninvolved sides were apparent in patients with marked weakness. At 10° plantarflexion, 8 of 17 patients had marked weakness (>20% deficit). MNF at 10° plantarflexion was significantly higher on the involved side versus the uninvolved side in patients with weakness, but this was not apparent in patients with no weakness (side by group, P = .012). Mean MNF at 10° plantarflexion across the 3 muscles was 13% higher on the involved side versus the uninvolved side in patients with weakness ( P = .012) versus 3% lower in patients with no weakness ( P = .522). Conclusion: Higher MNF on the involved side versus the uninvolved side in patients with significant plantarflexion weakness is consistent with greater muscle fiber shortening. This indicates that weakness was primarily because of excessive lengthening of the repaired Achilles tendon. If weakness was simply because of atrophy, a lower MNF would have been expected and patients would have had weakness throughout the range of motion. Surgical and rehabilitative strategies are needed to prevent excessive tendon elongation and weakness in end-range plantarflexion after Achilles repair.

scholarly journals Management of Elbow Dislocations in the National Football League

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711875545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward S. Chang ◽  
Meghan E. Bishop ◽  
Christopher C. Dodson ◽  
Peter F. Deluca ◽  
Michael G. Ciccotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Football League ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Professional Athlete ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Injury Surveillance System ◽  
Full Participation ◽  
The Mean

Background: Although much literature exists regarding the treatment and management of elbow dislocations in the general population, little information is available regarding management in the athletic population. Furthermore, no literature is available regarding the postinjury treatment and timing of return to play in the contact or professional athlete. Purpose: To review the clinical course of elbow dislocations in professional football players and determine the timing of return to full participation. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All National Football League (NFL) athletes with elbow dislocations from 2000 through 2011 who returned to play during the season were identified from the NFL Injury Surveillance System (NFL ISS). Roster position, player activity, use of external bracing, and clinical course were reviewed. Mean number of days lost until full return to play was determined for players with elbow dislocations who returned in the same season. Results: From 2000 to 2011, a total of 62 elbow dislocations out of 35,324 injuries were recorded (0.17%); 40 (64.5%) dislocations occurred in defensive players, 12 (19.4%) were in offensive players; and 10 (16.1%) were during special teams play. Over half of the injuries (33/62, 53.2%) were sustained while tackling, and 4 (6.5%) patients required surgery. A total of 47 (75.8%) players who sustained this injury were able to return in the same season. For this group, the mean number of days lost in players treated conservatively (45/47) was 25.1 days (median, 23.0 days; range, 0.0-118 days), while that for players treated operatively (2/47) was 46.5 days (median, 46.5 days; range, 29-64 days). Mean return to play based on player position was 25.8 days for defensive players (n = 28; median, 21.5 days; range, 3.0-118 days), 24.1 days for offensive players (n = 11; median, 19 days; range, 2.0-59 days), and 25.6 days for special teams players (n = 8; median, 25.5 days; range, 0-44 days). Conclusion: Elbow dislocations comprise less than a half of a percent of all injuries sustained in the NFL. Most injuries occur during the act of tackling, with the majority of injured athletes playing a defensive position. Players treated nonoperatively missed a mean of 25.1 days, whereas those managed operatively missed a mean of 46.5 days.

MRI Assessment of Degeneration of the Tendon in Achilles Tendon Ruptures

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 895-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik C. Bäcker ◽  
Tony T. Wong ◽  
J. Turner Vosseller
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Distal Segment ◽  
Myotendinous Junction ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Tendon Length ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
The Mean

Background: The extent of tendinosis along the entire tendon in Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) has not previously been assessed. MR images of acute ATRs were evaluated to assess this extent, even in areas distant from the rupture. Methods: Patients who had MR images for an ATR were reviewed. Each tendon was divided into a proximal, middle, and distal segment with the full tendon length defined as the length measured from the myotendinous junction to the insertion. The site of tendon rupture, presence of tendinosis and/or additional tearing, and largest anteroposterior (AP) diameter in the remaining segments were noted. In total, 45 MR iamges were included in our study. Results: The mean total tendon length was 9.93 cm, while the length from the insertion to the tear was 5.86 cm. Of the 45 ruptures, 20 (44.4%) were in the proximal third, 19 (42.2%) in the middle third, and 6 (13.3%) in the distal third. In all remaining segments where no ruptured tendon was observed, tendinosis was seen. Further, of the 90 segments of a tendon without rupture, 87 (96.7%) had an AP diameter greater than 6 mm. Of those 90 segments without rupture, 24 (26.7%) had a secondary partial-thickness tear in another third. Conclusion: Tendinosis is a known precursor of an ATR that in the current study was not limited to the area of rupture. The finding of extensive tendon degeneration may have implications for the optimal surgical treatment. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Tension Regulation at the Suture Lines for Repair of Neglected Achilles Tendon Laceration

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-309
Author(s):  
Elsayed Ibraheem Elsayed Massoud
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Mechanical Loading ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Tendon Graft ◽  
Calf Circumference ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Normal Thickness ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Tension Regulation ◽  
Tendon Laceration

Background: Operative intervention is the preferred option for management of the neglected laceration of the Achilles tendon. However, the commonly used techniques rarely follow the principles of the regenerative medicine for the restoration of the lost tissue. This study postulated that incorporation of the autogenous tendon graft would properly progress when the interplay between mechanical loading and healing phases was correctly applied. Methods: A prospective study included 15 patients who were treated for neglected Achilles tendon laceration using the technique of lengthening of the proximal tendon stump. An absorbable reinforcement suture was used for control of the mechanical environment at the suture lines. Results: By an average 5 years of the prospective follow-up, all the repaired tendons had restored continuity and length. The calf circumference equalized to the uninjured side in 12 patients. However, 3 patients had calf atrophy but they improved compared to the preoperative measurements. Sonogram confirmed the restoration of the normal thickness and the gliding characteristics of the repaired tendon. Conclusion: The technique restored continuity and tension of the repaired tendon, preserved the calf circumference, and prevented peritendinous adhesions. The absorbable reinforcement suture spontaneously allowed for the mechanical loading of the grafted tendon. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

scholarly journals Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Early Healing Process After Achilles Tendon Repair

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596711878988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunihiko Hiramatsu ◽  
Akira Tsujii ◽  
Norimasa Nakamura ◽  
Tomoki Mitsuoka
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Primary Repair ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Sports ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Unaffected Side ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Early Healing

Background: Little is known about early healing of repaired Achilles tendons on imaging, particularly up to 6 months postoperatively, when patients generally return to participation in sports. Purpose: To examine changes in repaired Achilles tendon healing with ultrasonography for up to 12 months after surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Ultrasonographic images of 26 ruptured Achilles tendons were analyzed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 months after primary repair. The cross-sectional areas (CSAs) and intratendinous morphology of the repaired tendons were evaluated using the authors’ own grading system (tendon repair scores), which assessed the anechoic tendon defect area, intratendinous hyperechoic area, continuity of intratendinous fibrillar appearance, and paratendinous edema. Results: The mean ratios (%) of the CSA for the affected versus unaffected side of repaired Achilles tendons gradually increased postoperatively, reached a maximum (632%) at 6 months, and then decreased at 12 months. The mean tendon repair scores increased over time and reached a plateau at 6 months. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is useful to observe the intratendinous morphology of repaired Achilles tendons and to provide useful information for patients who wish to return to sports. Clinical parameters such as strength, functional performance, and quality of healed repaired tendons should also be assessed before allowing patients to return to sports.

Direct Plantar Approach to Henry's Knot for Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Amlang ◽  
Maria C. Rosenow ◽  
Adina Friedrich ◽  
Hans Zwipp ◽  
Stefan Rammelt
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Contralateral Side ◽  
Flexor Hallucis Longus ◽  
Distal Stump ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Medial Plantar Nerve ◽  
Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer ◽  
Wound Healing Problems ◽  
Flexor Digitorum

Background: Transfer of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon is an established method to replace a dysfunctional Achilles tendon. When using a single incision, the FHL tendon has to be transferred as a single stranded graft into the calcaneus and the distal FHL stump cannot be directly attached to the flexor digitorum longus tendon (FDL). Another concern with tendon retrieval is neurovascular damage. We report our results with a direct plantar approach for tendon harvest. Methods: A direct plantar approach to the master knot of Henry with reattachment to its distal stump while protecting the medial plantar nerve was used allowing a double stranded FHL-transfer in 25 cases of a severely dysfunctional Achilles tendon in 24 consecutive patients. Patients were evaluated prospectively and at an average followup of 73 (range, 20 to 121) months. Results: No wound healing problems and no lesion of the medial plantar nerve occurred. The subjective result was rated as excellent in 18 (72%), good in five (20%), and fair in one case (8%). The AOFAS hindfoot score averaged 95.4 (range, 61 to 100) points and the AOFAS hallux score averaged 97.6 (range, 87 to 100) points. No loss of plantarflexion force was observed in the big toe as compared to the contralateral side. Conclusion: The plantar approach to Henry's knot allowed the use of a double stranded FHL transplant. The distal stump was attached to the FDL tendon to preserve flexion at the great toe without damaging to the medial plantar nerve. Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series

scholarly journals Jigless knotless internal brace technique for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a case series study

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Yen Ko ◽  
Ming-Tung Huang ◽  
Chia-Lung Li ◽  
Wei-Ren Su ◽  
I-Ming Jou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Internal Brace ◽  
Preoperative Exercise ◽  
American Orthopaedic ◽  
Invasive Techniques

Abstract Purpose To mitigate the risk of poor wound healing and of infection associated with the open repair of Achilles tendon midsubstance ruptures, minimally invasive techniques have been developed. We report our preliminary results after reviewing our “jigless knotless internal brace technique.” Methods Patients were placed in prone position and a transverse 3-cm incision was made proximal to the palpable ruptured end. The proximal ruptured end was pulled out, gently debrided, and sutured using Krackow locking loops. Percutaneous sutures were crisscrossed through the distal tendon stump and looped around the Krackow sutures over the proximal stump. The ipsilateral Krackow sutures and the contralateral crisscrossed sutures were subcutaneously passed through two mini-incisions over the posterior calcaneus tuberosity and seated at the tuberosity with two 4.5-mm knotless suture anchors. All patients underwent the same post-operative rehabilitation protocol and regular follow-ups for at least 1 year. Results We recruited 10 patients (mean age, 37.3 years) who scored 100 points on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, and who returned to their preoperative exercise levels 1-year post-operatively with no complications. Conclusion Our method is simple, effective, and requires no special tools. It might be a reliable option for Achilles tendon repair. Level of evidence III

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