scholarly journals To What Extent Do Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Biomarkers Relate to Pain, Flexibility, Strength, and Function in Individuals With Chronic Symptomatic Achilles Tendinopathy?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Lalumiere ◽  
Sarah Perrino ◽  
Marie-Josée Nadeau ◽  
Christian Larivière ◽  
Martin Lamontagne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound ◽  
Discriminative Validity ◽  
Ankle Strength ◽  
And Function ◽  
Ankle Flexibility

Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a chronic musculoskeletal pathology best evaluated by ultrasound imaging. This cross-sectional study aimed at better understanding the relationship between musculoskeletal ultrasound biomarkers (MUBs) of Achilles tendon and localized pain, ankle flexibility, ankle strength, and functional abilities.Method: Forty-one participants with unilateral midportion chronic AT had their tendon images analyzed bilaterally in the longitudinal and transverse planes. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) assessed pain and function, respectively, during standing and walking-related activities. Ankle flexibility was evaluated by weight-bearing lunge tests, while ankle isometric peak strength was measured using an instrumented dynamometer. Achilles tendon ultrasonographic images were analyzed using geometric (thickness), composition (echogenicity), and texture (homogeneity) MUBs. Discriminative validity was evaluated using paired Student's t-tests to compare MUBs between symptomatic and asymptomatic sides. Predictive validity was evaluated by computing the Pearson product-moment correlations coefficient between MUBs and pain, ankle flexibility, ankle strength, and function.Results: Significant differences were found in MUBs between the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides, confirming the discriminative validity of the selected MUBs. On the symptomatic side, thickness was found 29.9% higher (p < 0.001), echogenicity 9.6% lower (p < 0.001), and homogeneity 3.8% higher (p = 0.001) when compared with the asymptomatic side. However, predictive validity was scarcely confirmed, as most of the correlation coefficients were found negligible for the associations investigated between MUBs with localized pain, ankle flexibility, strength, and function. Only 14 statistically significant low to moderate associations were found, with negative and positive correlations ranging between −0.31 and −0.55 and between 0.34 and 0.54, respectively.Discussion: Musculoskeletal ultrasound biomarkers have a clinical utility in visualizing in vivo tendon integrity and diagnosing AT. MUBs should be valued as part of a comprehensive neuro-musculoskeletal assessment as they complement pain, flexibility, strength, and function measures. Altogether, they may inform the development and monitoring of a personalized rehabilitation treatment plan.

Immediate weight bearing and function following surgery for neglected Achilles tendon ruptures

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-84
Author(s):  
M. Monteagudo ◽  
E. Maceira ◽  
A. Avila ◽  
P. Martinez-Albornoz
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
And Function

scholarly journals Surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: results after removal of the subcutaneous bursa alone—a case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000769
Author(s):  
Håkan Alfredson ◽  
Christoph Spang
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Full Weight Bearing ◽  
Bone Pathology ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Pain Mechanisms ◽  
Painful Condition ◽  
Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

BackgroundInsertional Achilles tendinopathy is well known to be difficult to treat, especially when there is intra-tendinous bone pathology. This study is a case series on patients with chronic insertional Achilles tendon pain and major intra-tendinous bony pathology together with bursa and tendon pathology, treated with excision of the subcutaneous bursa alone.MethodsEleven patients (eight men and three women) with a mean age of 44 years (range 24–62) and a chronic (>6 months) painful condition from altogether 15 Achilles tendon insertions were included. In all patients, ultrasound examination showed intra-tendinous bone pathology together with pathology in the tendon and subcutaneous bursa, and all were surgically treated with an open excision of the whole subcutaneous bursa alone. This was followed by full weight-bearing walking in a shoe with open heel for 6 weeks.ResultsAt follow-up 21 (median, range 12–108) months after surgery, 9/11 patients (12/15 tendons) were satisfied with the result of the operation and 10/11 (13/15 tendons) were back in their previous sport and recreational activities. The median VISA-A score had improved from 41 (range 0–52) to 91 (range 33–100) (p<0.01).ConclusionIn patients with chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy with intra-tendinous bone pathology, tendon and bursa pathology, open removal of the subcutaneous bursa alone can relieve the pain and allow for Achilles tendon loading activities. The results in this case series highlight the need for more studies on the pain mechanisms in insertional Achilles tendinopathy and the need for randomised studies to strengthen the conclusions.Level of evidenceIV Case series.

scholarly journals Sharp pain in a normal Achilles tendon of a professional female football player was related to a plantaris tendon in a rare position: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Håkan Alfredson ◽  
Lorenzo Masci ◽  
Christoph Spang
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Football Player ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Plantaris Tendon ◽  
Sharp Pain ◽  
Proper Diagnosis ◽  
Female Soccer Player ◽  
Pain History

Abstract Background Plantaris tendinopathy and plantaris-associated Achilles tendinopathy can be responsible for chronic pain in the Achilles tendon midportion, often accompanied by medial tenderness. As conservative treatments are less successful for this patient group, proper diagnosis is important for decision making. This report presents a case with plantaris tendinopathy in a rare (superficial) location. Case presentation This article describes a pain history and treatment timeline of a professional Swedish female soccer player (32 years old, Northern European ethnicity, white) who suffered from sharp pain in the Achilles tendon midportion and tenderness on the medial and superficial side for about 2 years. Conservative treatments, including eccentric exercises, were not successful and, to some extent, even caused additional irritation in that region. Ultrasound showed a wide and thick plantaris tendon located on the superficial side of the Achilles tendon midportion. The patient was surgically treated with local removal of the plantaris tendon. After surgery there was a relatively quick (4–6 weeks) rehabilitation, with immediate weight bearing, gradual increased loading, and return to running activities after 4 weeks. At follow-up at 8 weeks, the patient was running and had not experienced any further episodes of sharp pain during change of direction or sprinting. Conclusions The plantaris tendon should be considered as a possible source of Achilles tendon pain. This case study demonstrates that the plantaris tendon can be found in unexpected (superficial) positions and needs to be carefully visualized during clinical and imaging examinations.

Update: Behavioral Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis and Paresis

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 474-482
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Fold ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Voice Therapy ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Behavioral Management ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Vocal Quality ◽  
And Function ◽  
Voice Use

PurposeVocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) can be the result of iatrogenic or traumatic injury or may be idiopathic in nature. It can result in glottic incompetence leading to changes in vocal quality and ease. Associated voice complaints may include breathiness, roughness, diplophonia, reduced vocal intensity, feeling out of breath with talking, and vocal fatigue with voice use. A comprehensive interprofessional voice evaluation includes auditory-perceptual voice evaluation, laryngeal examination including videostroboscopy, acoustic and aerodynamic voice measures. These components provide valuable insight into laryngeal structure and function and individual voice use patterns and, in conjunction with stimulability testing, help identify candidacy for voice therapy and choice of therapeutic techniques.ConclusionA comprehensive, interprofessional evaluation of patients with VFMI is necessary to assess the role of voice therapy and develop a treatment plan. Although there is no efficacy data to support specific voice therapy techniques for treating VFMI, considerations for various techniques are provided.

scholarly journals Maximum dorsiflexion increases Achilles tendon force during exercise for midportion Achilles tendinopathy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia‐Han Yeh ◽  
James Calder ◽  
Jarrod Antflick ◽  
Anthony M.J. Bull ◽  
Angela E. Kedgley
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Tendon Force

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.

scholarly journals Mechanotendography in Achillodynia shows reduced oscillation variability of pre-loaded Achilles tendon: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-257
Author(s):  
Laura Schaefer ◽  
Frank Bittmann
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mechanical Pressure ◽  
Mechanical Oscillations ◽  
Pressure Impact ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Intrapersonal Variability

The present study focuses on an innovative approach in measuring the mechanical oscillations of pre-loaded Achilles tendon by using Mechanotendography (MTG) during application of a short yet powerful mechanical pressure impact. This was applied on the forefoot from the plantar side in direction of dorsiflexion, while the subject stood on the ball of the forefoot on one leg. Participants with Achilles tendinopathy (AT; n = 10) were compared to healthy controls (Con; n = 10). Five trials were performed on each side of the body. For evaluation, two intervals after the impulse began (0-100ms; 30-100ms) were cut from the MTG and pressure raw signals. The intrapersonal variability between the five trials in both intervals were evaluated using the arithmetic mean and coefficient of variation of the mean correlation (Spearman rank correlation) and the normalized averaged mean distances, respectively. The AT-group showed a significantly reduced variability in MTG compared to the Con-group (from p = 0.006 to p = 0.028 for different parameters). The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of MTG results were disjoint, whereas the 95% CIs of the pressure signals were similar (p = 0.192 to p = 0.601). We suggest from this work that the variability of mechanical tendon oscillations could be an indicative parameter of an altered Achilles tendon functionality.

scholarly journals A feasibility study of a novel, task-specific movement training intervention for women with patellofemoral pain

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen B Salsich ◽  
Barbara Yemm ◽  
Karen Steger-May ◽  
Catherine E Lang ◽  
Linda R Van Dillen
Keyword(s):  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Knee Kinematics ◽  
Frontal Plane ◽  
Patellofemoral Pain ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
And Function ◽  
Treatment Credibility

Objective: To investigate whether a novel, task-specific training intervention that focused on correcting pain-producing movement patterns was feasible and whether it would improve hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function in women with patellofemoral pain. Design: Prospective, non-randomized, within-group, double baseline, feasibility intervention study. Subjects: A total of 25 women with patellofemoral pain were enrolled. Intervention: The intervention, delivered 2×/week for six weeks, consisted of supervised, high-repetition practice of daily weight-bearing and recreational activities. Activities were selected and progressed based on participants’ interest and ability to maintain optimal alignment without increasing pain. Main measures: Primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, adherence, and treatment credibility (Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes assessing intervention effects were hip and knee kinematics, pain (visual analog scale: current, average in past week, maximum in past week), and function (Patient-Specific Functional Scale). Results: A total of 25 participants were recruited and 23 were retained (92% retention). Self-reported average daily adherence was 79% and participants were able to perform their prescribed home program correctly (reduced hip and knee frontal plane angles) by the second intervention visit. On average, treatment credibility was rated 25 (out of 27) and expectancy was rated 22 (out of 27). Hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function improved following the intervention when compared to the control phase. Conclusion: Based on the feasibility outcomes and preliminary intervention effects, this task-specific training intervention warrants further investigation and should be evaluated in a larger, randomized clinical trial.

scholarly journals Objective assessment of stiffness in Achilles tendinopathy: a novel approach using the MyotonPRO

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gafin Ericson Morgan ◽  
Rhodri Martin ◽  
Lisa Williams ◽  
Owen Pearce ◽  
Keith Morris
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Stiffness ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Asymptomatic Group ◽  
Musculotendinous Junction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

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.

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