Recreational runners with Achilles tendinopathy have clinically detectable impairments: A case-control study

ObjectivesTo confirm what impairments are present in runners with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and explore the variance of AT severity in an adequately powered study.DesignCase-control study.SettingTwo private physiotherapy clinics in Australia and Spain.ParticipantsForty-four recreational male runners with AT and 44 healthy controls matched by age, height, and weight.Main outcome measuresDemographics, activity (IPAQ-SF), pain and function (VISA-A), pain during hopping (Hop pain VAS), hopping duration, psychological factors (TSK-11, PASS20), and physical tests regarding lower-limb maximal strength and endurance.ResultsBody mass index (BMI), activity, VISA-A, pain, and duration of hopping, TSK-11, PASS20, standing heel raise to failure, seated heel raise and leg extension 6RM, hip extension and abduction isometric torque were significantly different between groups (P < 0.05) with varied effect sizes (V = 0.22, d range = 0.05–4.18). 46% of AT severity variance was explained by higher BMI (β = −0.41; p = 0.001), weaker leg curl 6RM (β = 0.32; p = 0.009), and higher pain during hopping (β = −0.43; p = 0.001).ConclusionRunners with AT had lower activity levels, lower soleus strength, and were less tall. BMI, pain during hopping, and leg curl strength explained condition severity. This information, identified with clinically applicable tools, may guide clinical assessment, and inform intervention development.     

The patellar ligament: A comprehensive review

The patellar ligament (PL) is an epiphyseal ligament and is part of the extensor complex of the knee. The ligament has gained attention due to its clinical relevance to autograft and tendinopathy. A variety of anatomical variations of the PL such as aplasia, numerical variations, and vascularity are being reported recently by clinicians and anatomists. The aim of this literature was to review the available literature to provide a consensus regarding anatomic variations of the PL, neurovasculature surrounding the PL, histology of the PL, and various aspects of PL measurements with relevance to the surgical considerations and sex and age-related differences. A narrative review of the patellar ligament was performed by conducting a detailed literature search and review of relevant articles. A total of 90 articles on the patellar ligament were included and were categorized into studies based on anatomical variations, neurovasculature, morphometrics, microanatomy, sex and age-related difference, and ACL reconstruction. The anatomical variations and morphometrics of the PL were found to correlate with the frequency of strain injuries, tendinopathy, and efficacy of the PL autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The sex differences in PL measurements and the effect of estrogen on collagen synthesis explained a higher incidence of patellar tendinopathy in women. An awareness of its variations enables careful selection of surgical incisions, thereby avoiding complications related to nerve injury. Accurate knowledge of the PL microanatomy assists in understanding the mechanism of ligament degeneration, rupture, autograft harvesting, and ligamentization results.     

The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire was successfully translated to Persian

IntroductionThe Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) is designed to evaluate pain and disability in subjects with lateral elbow tendinopathy. This questionnaire is available in Swedish, Italian, and some other languages. A Persian language version of the questionnaire is needed for both research and clinical purposes.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the PRTEE questionnaire into the Persian language and to determine its validity and reliability.MethodsThe PRTEE was translated and culturally adapted from English into Persian (PRTEE-P) according to the established guidelines. The PRTEE-P was completed by 68 Iranian subjects (44 women, 24 men) diagnosed with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. To assess test-retest reliability, all subjects filled out the PRTEE-P on a second admission within one week. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha were measured to report reliability. The validity was determined by correlating the PRTEE-P questionnaire with the Persian version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire.ResultsThe Persian version of the PRTEE showed a high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.99, demonstrating good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99). It was well correlated with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (r = 0.80).ConclusionThe PRTEE-P is a reliable and valid tool designed for measuring pain and disability in subjects with lateral elbow tendinopathy.     

Role of strengthening during nonoperative treatment of lateral epicondyle tendinopathy

IntroductionLateral epicondyle tendinopathy (LET) is the most common cause of lateral elbow pain. The literature on rehabilitation of the condition encompasses a plethora of interventions with most current evidence indicating that stretches and some form of strengthening are vital components. However, patient outcomes are infrequently reported further than 12 weeks from the start of therapy and it is unclear which components of a home exercise program are necessary to alleviate symptoms up to one year from the initiation of a therapy program.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of the study is to determine if a therapy program with 4 to 6 visits spaced out over 12 weeks focusing on self-management and strengthening is more effective in reducing pain and improving function long term than the same program without strengthening, for individuals with LET.Study DesignThis is a randomized controlled trial.MethodsNinety-four patients were randomly allocated into two groups: both groups received the interventions of education in pertinent pathoanatomy, stretching, pain management through rest and icing, and activity modification. Group 1 (n = 38) was also provided with a strengthening component to the home exercise program, whereas group 2 did not (n = 21). Our primary outcome measure was pain at rest and pain with activity; our secondary measure was the level of functional impairment as measured by the quick disabilities of arm shoulder and hand. Outcome measurements were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks after initiation of therapy.ResultsBoth groups demonstrated statistically significant improvement with a moderate to large effect size in pain and function scores when compared with previous time point at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Pain continued to decrease for both groups from 24 weeks to 52 weeks, but interestingly, there was a significant increase with moderate effect size in the quick disabilities of arm shoulder and hand score at 52 weeks when compared with week 24. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups at any time point up to 52 weeks from the start of therapy.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that a therapy program consisting of a low number of visits spaced out over 12 weeks based on education, stretches, activity modification, and pain management techniques is effective at reducing pain and increasing function in patients with LET. The addition of strengthening to this program did not improve outcomes. The therapy approach used in this study is consistent with the International Classification of Function guidelines and focuses on engaging patients in self-management of the condition through patient education and self-empowerment.     

Achilles tendinopathy after treatment with fluoroquinolone

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic therapy is a recognized but poorly understood cause for Achilles tendinopathy. We report here a patient who developed bilateral partial Achilles tendon tears as a result of fluoroquinolone therapy. Ultrasound and MRI were both useful in identifying and distinguishing between Achilles tendinosis and tendon rupture. The current published literature on this problem was also reviewed.     

超声介入治疗肩峰下撞击综合征疗效对比分析

目的 研究超声介入治疗肩峰下撞击综合征(SIS)患者的疗效及复发危险因素。 方法 回顾性分析92例SIS患者的临床资料,根据其超声表现进行分型,并分别采用超声引导肩峰下滑囊注射(单纯注射组)以及超声引导肩袖肌腱松解术联合肩峰下滑囊注射(联合治疗组),比较两组术后1周及1,3,6月的疗效差别。 结果两组患者术后1周及1,3,6月的VAS,CMS和OSS评分较术前均有不同程度改善,但术后6月均有复发病例,单纯注射组及联合治疗组的晚期复发率分别为34.9%及10.2%,两组差别有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论 对于SIS的患者,采用超声引导下介入治疗有确切的临床疗效; 但对于超声诊断为SIS 2型的患者,应采用超声引导肩袖肌腱松解术联合肩峰下滑囊注射,以降低晚期复发风险。     

Apport d’une évaluation biomécanique dans la prise en charge des tendinopathies proximales des ischiojambiers : discussion à partir de deux cas cliniques

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to illustrate the benefits of static and dynamic biomechanical assessment, in addition to the conventional diagnostic approach in the management of patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy.MethodTwo women, 30 years old, practicing intensive running (8–10 hours per week), presenting a proximal hamstring tendinopathy, were seen in consultation of biomechanical assessment. This multidisciplinary consultation includes a global static and dynamic assessment of the patient; dynamic assessment including video analysis and plantar pressure during walking and running on platform pressure plate.Cases reportEither 2 patients had pain in the buttock radiating to the posterior thigh, occurring during running and acceleration phases of sprint. Clinical examination showed just a pain in the ischium. Biomechanical assessment showed deficiency of the hip abductors and external rotators only for involved side for the 2 patients, responsible of a “sag” of the lower limb. Each of the 2 patients received a “conventional” rehabilitation, including stretching and eccentric exercises of the hamstring, associated with a specific care, according to the weaknesses identified in the biomechanical assessment, including hip external rotators. Full recovery of running was obtained at 4–6 weeks without subsequent recurrence.ConclusionProximal hamstring tendinopathy could be favoured by a deficiency of hip external rotators during walking or running only. It therefore seems appropriate to propose a static and dynamic biomechanical assessment in patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy, looking for possible contributing/risks factors, such as dynamic hip internal rotation. Biomechanical assessment helps to target and adapt rehabilitation and could prevent the use of more invasive treatments.     

Ultrasound‐Guided Injection of the Temporalis Tendon: A Novel Technique

A novel technique, ultrasound‐guided injection of the temporalis tendon in adults, is described. Ultrasound‐guided injection of the temporalis tendon is based on visualization of the temporalis muscle, temporalis tendon, and coronoid process. A practical step‐by‐step guide to doing the procedure is given. This technique is effective and reproducible. Two patients successfully treated with this technique will be briefly discussed. The anatomic location and size of the temporalis tendon make it mandatory to use ultrasound to ensure precision.