Dyslipidemia in Achilles Tendinopathy Is Characteristic of Insulin Resistance

Return to Sport and Physical Activity After Calcaneoplasty for Insertional Achilles Tendinosis

The primary aim of the present study was to examine the time required and the ability of a consecutive series of patients undergoing open calcaneoplasty with reattachment of the Achilles tendon to return to their preoperative level of sporting activity. The secondary aim was to evaluate the functional outcomes and complication profile of this procedure. Open calcaneoplasty was performed on 22 feet (14 left [63.6%] and 8 right [36.4%]) in 22 consecutive patients, with a mean age of 55.28 ± 9.17 years. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 21.5 ± 8.2 months. The time required to return to work and sports and the functional outcomes were recorded. Of the 22 patients, 70% were able to return to their preoperative level of sporting activity after open calcaneoplasty with Achilles tendon reattachment at a mean of 5.14 ± 3.76 (range 2 to 12) months postoperatively. All the patients were able to resume their preoperative employment status at a mean of 3.30 ± 1.73 (range 0.5 to 6) months. Statistically significant improvements were found in the short-form 36-item questionnaire, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale, and visual analog scale for pain scores postoperatively. Most patients (72.8%) subjectively scored excellent or very good outcomes on a Likert scale for patient satisfaction. Most patients were able to return to their preoperative level of sporting activity after open calcaneoplasty with Achilles tendon reattachment, and they were all able to resume their preoperative employment status. In the present series of patients, the procedure resulted in satisfactory outcomes with statistically significant improvements in patient-reported functional scores and pain relief after surgery.

Low recurrence rate after mini surgery outside the tendon combined with short rehabilitation in patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy

BACKGROUND

There is a general opinion that a structured and specific rehabilitation is needed after treatment of midportion Achilles tendinopathy to minimize recurrence of the condition. There is sparse knowledge about the recurrence rates in large patient materials after specific treatments for midportion Achilles tendinopathy.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the recurrence rates in a large number of patients with chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy that had been surgically treated with the ultrasound (US) and Doppler (DP)-guided mini-surgical scraping technique. Postoperatively, a relatively simple rehabilitation protocol, including a range of movement exercises and gradually increased walking and biking before allowing free activity, was used.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From a database, information about the recurrence rates after US + DP-guided mini-surgical scraping, performed by a single surgeon on 519 tendons with US + DP-verified chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy, was obtained.

RESULTS

Recurrence of painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy was found in 26 of 519 (5%) operated tendons, 13 from women and 13 from men. In 13 tendons, a close by located plantaris tendon was extirpated during the reoperation.

CONCLUSION

In this large material on patients treated with US + DP-guided mini-surgical scraping for midportion Achilles tendinopathy, there were few recurrences, although only a simple and nonspecific rehabilitation protocol was used.

The sympathetic nervous system and tendinopathy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Tendinopathy is a clinical diagnosis of localised tendon pain often confirmed by imaging findings. The pathophysiological cause of the pain is unknown and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) may be implicated.

OBJECTIVE

To review what is known regarding the role of the SNS in human tendinopathy.

STUDY SELECTION

Published data describing sympathetic innervation or an index of sympathetic activity in human tendons were eligible for inclusion.

DATA SOURCES

Bibliographical databases (AMED, Biological Abstracts, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science) were searched for relevant articles. Reference lists from included articles were screened for additional articles.

STUDY APPRAISAL

Studies were scored with a quality assessment tool to identify potential sources of bias. Each question had an explicit decision rule to guide assessment.

RESULTS

Nine case-control and four cross-sectional studies examined sympathetic innervation of tendons. There was evidence suggesting a lack of difference in sympathetic innervation of tendon proper between tendinopathy biopsies and healthy controls. In contrast, the paratendinous tissue showed evidence of increased sympathetic innervation in painful tendons. The most notable increase in SNS markers was seen in abnormal tenocytes from painful tendons. Data from two studies were suitable for meta-analysis. These heterogeneous studies revealed no difference in sympathetic innervation between painful and pain-free tendons. No studies recorded SNS activity in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Sympathetic innervation in painful tendons depends on tissue type. Abnormal tenocytes may have increased capacity for self-production of sympathetic neurotransmitters. Future insight may be gained by measuring global in vivo sympathetic drive in tendinopathy.

How Obesity Affects Tendons?

Several epidemiological and clinical observations have definitely demonstrated that obesity has harmful effects on tendons. The pathogenesis of tendon damage is multi-factorial. In addition to overload, attributable to the increased body weight, which significantly affects load-bearing tendons, systemic factors play a relevant role. Several bioactive peptides (chemerin, leptin, adiponectin and others) are released by adipocytes, and influence tendon structure by means of negative activities on mesenchymal cells. The ensuing systemic state of chronic, sub-clinic, low-grade inflammation can damage tendon structure. Metabolic disorders (diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and dislipidemia), frequently associated with visceral adiposity, are concurrent pathogenetic factors. Indeed, high glucose levels increase the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products, which in turn form stable covalent cross-links within collagen fibers, modifying their structure and functionality.Sport activities, so useful for preventing important cardiovascular complications, may be detrimental for tendons if they are submitted to intense acute or chronic overload. Therefore, two caution rules are mandatory: first, to engage in personalized soft training program, and secondly to follow regular check-up for tendon pathology.

Does type 1 diabetes mellitus affect Achilles tendon response to a 10 km run? A case control study

Background

Achilles tendon structure deteriorates 2-days after maximal loading in elite athletes. The load-response behaviour of tendons may be altered in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as hyperglycaemia accelerates collagen cross-linking. This study compared Achilles tendon load-response in participants with T1DM and controls.

Methods

Achilles tendon structure was quantified at day-0, day-2 and day-4 after a 10 km run. Ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) measures tendon structural integrity by classifying pixels as echo-type I, II, III or IV. Echo-type I has the most aligned collagen fibrils and IV has the least.

Results

Participants were 7 individuals with T1DM and 10 controls. All regularly ran distances greater than 5 km and VISA-A scores indicated good tendon function (T1DM = 94 ± 11, control = 94 ± 10). There were no diabetic complications and HbA1c was 8.7 ± 2.6 mmol/mol for T1DM and 5.3 ± 0.4 mmol/mol for control groups. Baseline tendon structure was similar in T1DM and control groups – UTC echo-types (I-IV) and anterior-posterior thickness were all p > 0.05. No response to load was seen in either T1DM or control group over the 4-days post exercise.

Conclusion

Active individuals with T1DM do not have a heightened Achilles tendon response to load, which suggests no increased risk of tendon injury. We cannot extrapolate these findings to sedentary individuals with T1DM.

Is higher serum cholesterol associated with altered tendon structure or tendon pain? A systematic review

Background

Tendon pain occurs in individuals with extreme cholesterol levels (familial hypercholesterolaemia). It is unclear whether the association with tendon pain is strong with less extreme elevations of cholesterol.

Objective

To determine whether lipid levels are associated with abnormal tendon structure or the presence of tendon pain.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Relevant articles were found through an electronic search of 6 medical databases—MEDLINE, Cochrane, AMED, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus. We included all case–control or cross-sectional studies with data describing (1) lipid levels or use of lipid-lowering drugs and (2) tendon structure or tendon pain.

Results

17 studies (2612 participants) were eligible for inclusion in the review. People with altered tendon structure or tendon pain had significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; with mean difference values of 0.66, 1.00, 0.33, and −0.19 mmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of this review indicate that a relationship exists between an individual’s lipid profile and tendon health. However, further longitudinal studies are required to determine whether a cause and effect relationship exists between tendon structure and lipid levels. This could lead to advancement in the understanding of the pathoaetiology and thus treatment of tendinopathy.

Effectiveness of orthotic devices in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review

Orthotic devices such as foot orthoses, splints, taping and bracing are recommended for Achilles tendinopathy (AT). This systematic review was conducted to review the current evidence for the effectiveness of orthotic devices for the treatment of mid-portion or insertional AT. Electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Contents, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus) were searched in May 2014. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Quality Index. Where possible, effects were determined using standardised mean differences. The strength of evidence for each intervention was determined according to the quality and number of studies. Twelve studies satisfied the inclusion criteria; nine studies investigated mid-portion AT, whilst three studies did not distinguish between mid-portion and insertional pathology. Weak evidence showed that foot orthoses were equivalent to physical therapy, and equivalent to no treatment. Very weak evidence supported the use of adhesive taping alone or when combined with foot orthoses. Moderate evidence showed that the AirHeel™ brace was as effective as a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme, and weak evidence showed that this intervention was not beneficial when added to a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme. Weak evidence showed that an ankle joint dorsiflexion night splint was equally effective to a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme, and strong evidence showed that this intervention was not beneficial when added to a calf muscle eccentric exercise programme. These findings may aid clinical decision making in the context of AT, however further high-quality studies are required.

Musculoskeletal manifestations in diabetic versus prediabetic patients

AIM

This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations in a sample of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and those with prediabetes and compare the findings between the two groups.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-eight patients with DM and 125 prediabetic subjects were randomly enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data and past history were recorded. Musculoskeletal physical examinations were done by a single rheumatologist. Regression analyses were employed to assess the crude and adjusted effects of determinants on DM musculoskeletal manifestations (DMMMs).

RESULTS

Female/male ratio was not significantly different between diabetic and prediabetic patients (4.4 vs. 4.7, respectively, P = 0.9). However, diabetic patients were significantly older than the prediabetic ones (56.6 vs. 52 years, respectively, P = 0.0001); 83.5% of diabetic patients and 52.8% of prediabetic ones had at least one musculoskeletal manifestation (P = 0.0001). The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and shoulder involvement were almost two times more common (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.015) in diabetic patients than in prediabetic ones (73.4% vs. 38% and 21.2% vs. 9.5%, respectively). Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was 48% and 36.5% in patients with diabetes and prediabetes, respectively (P = 0.053). Multivariate backward regression analysis showed age, sex, BMI (body mass index) and DM as the significant determinants in development of musculoskeletal manifestations in all subjects. Age and BMI were the only significant factors associated with musculoskeletal manifestations in both diabetic and prediabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic and prediabetic patients may show high prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations. In non-diabetic patients diagnosed with CTS, prediabetes might be ruled out.

Serum levels of oxylipins in achilles tendinopathy: an exploratory study

Background

Linoleic acid-derived oxidation products are found in experimental pain models. However, little is known about the levels of such oxylipins in human pain. In consequence, in the present study, we have undertaken a lipidomic profiling of oxylipins in blood serum from patients with Achilles tendinopathy and controls.

Methodology/Principal findings

A total of 34 oxylipins were analysed in the serum samples. At a significance level of P<0.00147 (<0.05/34), two linoleic acid-derived oxylipins, 13-hydroxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic (13-HODE) and 12(13)-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid (12,13-DiHOME) were present at significantly higher levels in the Achilles tendinopathy samples. This difference remained significant when the dataset was controlled for age, gender and body-mass index. In contrast, 0/21 of the arachidonic acid- and 0/4 of the dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahenaenoic acid-derived oxylipins were higher in the patient samples at this level of significance. The area under the Receiver-Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve for 12,13-DiHOME was 0.91 (P<0.0001). Levels of four N-acylethanolamines were also analysed and found not to be significantly different between the controls and the patients at the level of P<0.0125 (<0.05/4).

Conclusions/Significance

It is concluded from this exploratory study that abnormal levels of linoleic acid-derived oxylipins are seen in blood serum from patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Given the ability of two of these, 9- and 13-HODE to activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, it is possible that these changes may contribute to the symptoms seen in Achilles tendinopathy.

Protease-activated receptors in the Achilles tendon-a potential explanation for the excessive pain signalling in tendinopathy

Background/Aim

Tendinopathies are pathological conditions of tissue remodelling occurring in the major tendons of the body, accompanied by excessive nociceptive signalling. Tendinopathies have been shown to exhibit an increase in the number of mast cells, which are capable of releasing histamine, tryptase and other substances upon activation, which may play a role in the development of tendinopathies. This study set out to describe the distribution patterns of a family of receptors called protease-activated receptors (PARs) within the Achilles tendon. These four receptors (PAR1, PAR2, PAR3, PAR4) are activated by proteases, including tryptase released from mast cells, and are involved in fibrosis, hyperalgesia and neovascularisation, which are changes seen in tendinopathies.

Method

In order to study which structures involved in tendinopathy that these proteases can affect, biopsies from patients suffering of mid-portion Achilles tendinosis and healthy controls were collected and examined using immunohistochemistry. Tendon cells were cultured to study in vitro expression patterns.

Results

The findings showed a distribution of PARs inside the tendon tissue proper, and in the paratendinous tissue, with all four being expressed on nerves and vascular structures. Double staining showed co-localisation of PARs with nociceptive fibres expressing substance P. Concerning tenocytes, PAR2, PAR3, and PAR4, were found in both biopsies of tendon tissue and cultured tendon cells.

Conclusions

This study describes the expression patterns of PARs in the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon, which can help explain the tissue changes and increased pain signalling seen in tendinopathies. These findings also show that in-vitro studies of the effects of these receptors are plausible and that PARs are a possible therapeutic target in the future treatment strategies of tendinopathy.

Lipids, adiposity and tendinopathy: is there a mechanistic link? Critical review

Being overweight or obese is associated with an elevated risk of tendon pathology. However, for sportspeople the epidemiological data linking weight or adiposity on one hand, and risk of tendon pathology on the other, are less consistent. Indeed, the mechanistic links between diet, adiposity and tendon pathology remain largely unexamined. Recent studies have begun to examine the effects of dietary interventions on outcomes such as tendon biomechanics or pain. Oxidised low-density lipoprotein has been shown to (A) accumulate in the tendon tissues of mice that eat a fatty diet and (B) induce a pathological phenotype in human tendon cells. This paper addresses the current debate: is excessive body mass index (causing increased load and strain on tendon tissue) per se the underlying mechanism? Or do local or systemic influences of fat on tendons predispose to tendon pathology? This narrative review argues that excessive blood lipids may be an important avenue for clinical investigations.

Prevalence of and risk factors for asymptomatic rotator cuff tears in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

Rotator cuff tendon tears increase with age, but no study has specifically addressed prevalence changes in women from premenopause to postmenopause. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of rotator cuff asymptomatic tears in postmenopausal women and to study their relationship with anthropometric and metabolic measures.

METHODS

Premenopausal and postmenopausal women who were free from shoulder pain/functional impairment were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were evaluated. Both shoulders were examined by ultrasound imaging. For the purposes of this study, only full-thickness tears (classified as small, large, or massive) were taken into account.

RESULTS

The prevalence of full-thickness tears (mainly localized in the supraspinatus tendon of the dominant side) was significantly higher in the postmenopausal group (8.9% vs 3.1%), with small, medium, and large tears in 60%, 20%, and 20% of cases, respectively. In women with tears, intragroup comparison showed significantly higher values for BMI and fasting glucose, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol; no difference was found for triglycerides and total cholesterol in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the probability of detecting a tear in both groups was positively related to high values of BMI and lower levels of HDL cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of asymptomatic full-thickness tears is increased in the postmenopausal period, and there is an association between tears and metabolic disorders. Because asymptomatic tears have a great potential to evolve into symptomatic painful shoulder, a precocious discovery of this pathology may allow the planning of preventive and therapeutic measures.

Outcome of calcaneoplasty in insertional achilles tendinopathy

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy may be associated with Haglund's deformity and result in chronic pain. It is usually refractory to conservative management. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of calcaneoplasty performed in our hospital.

METHODS

Eight patients were prospectively evaluated pre- and postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Short Form (SF) 36, as well as satisfaction rate. Average follow-up duration was 12.4 months.

RESULTS

The mean pre and post-operative AOFAS scores were significantly improved at three and six months. SF 36 improved in most parameters. The postoperative VAS score improved significantly and was 0 at 2 years. The procedure was rated as good to excellent by seven of the subjects.

CONCLUSION

We recommend calcaneoplasty for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

KEY WORDS

Calcaneoplasty, Insertional Achilles tendinopathy, Haglund's deformity.

Systemic stiffening of mouse tail tendon is related to dietary advanced glycation end products but not high-fat diet or cholesterol

Tendon pathology is related to metabolic disease and mechanical overloading, but the effect of metabolic disease on tendon mechanics is unknown. This study investigated the effect of diet and apolipoprotein E deficiency (ApoE(-/-)) on mechanical properties and advanced glycation end product (AGE) cross-linking of non-weight-bearing mouse tail tendons. Twenty ApoE(-/-) male mice were used as a model for hypercholesterolemia along with 26 wild-type (WT) mice. One-half of the mice from each group was fed a normal diet (ND) and the other half was fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. All were killed at 40 wk, and tail tendon fascicles were mechanically tested to failure and analyzed for AGEs. Diets were also analyzed for AGEs. ApoE(-/-) mice displayed a 14% increase in plateau modulus compared with WT mice (P < 0.05), whereas HFD mice displayed a 13% decrease in plateau modulus (P < 0.05) and a 12% decrease in total modulus (P < 0.05) compared with ND mice. Tail tendons of HFD mice had significantly lower concentrations of AGEs [carboxymethyllysine (CML): 26%, P < 0.0001; methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone 1 (MG-H1): 15%, P < 0.005; pentosidine: 13%, P < 0.0005]. The HFD had ∼44-fold lower content of CML (P < 0.01), ∼29-fold lower content of carboxyethyllysine (P < 0.005), and ∼16-fold lower content of MG-H1 (P < 0.05) compared with ND. ApoE(-/-) increased, whereas HFD decreased mouse tail tendon stiffness. Dietary AGE content may be a crucial determinant for accumulation of AGE cross-links in tendons and for tissue compliance. The results demonstrate how systemic metabolic factors may influence tendon health.

The association between body composition and foot structure and function: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the relationship between body composition and foot structure and function. Six electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid AMED, CINAHL, Scopus and The Cochrane Library) and reference lists from relevant papers were searched on 2 September 2013. Sixteen papers that reported on the association between body composition and foot structure and function met our inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The evidence indicates that obesity is strongly associated with planus (low-arched) foot posture, pronated dynamic foot function and increased plantar pressures when walking. However, there is limited evidence to support an association between other body composition measures, such as fat mass, with foot structure or function.

Weight gain as a consequence of living a modern lifestyle: a discussion of barriers to effective weight control and how to overcome them

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this commentary is to discuss modern lifestyle factors that promote weight gain and to suggest methods for clinicians to more effectively educate patients about weight management.

DISCUSSION

Most adults in the United States are overweight or obese. Multiple factors related to the modern lifestyle appear to play causal roles. In general, the population maintains sedentary lives and overconsumes calorie-dense foods. In particular, refined carbohydrates negatively impact metabolism and stimulate neural addiction mechanisms, which facilitate weight gain. As adipose tissue mass accumulates, satiation centers in the hypothalamus become resistant to insulin and leptin, which leads to increased caloric consumption. Several behavior issues further augment weight gain, such as eating too quickly, a lack of sleep, high stress levels, and a lack of exercise. Finally, adipose tissue accumulation alters the body weight set point, which leads to metabolic changes that function to resist weight loss efforts. Each of these factors may work together to augment weight gain and promote obesity. Health care providers, such as chiropractic physicians, who educate patients on wellness, prevention, and lifestyle changes are well positioned to address these issues.

CONCLUSION

People need to be educated about the modern lifestyle factors that prevent effective weight management. Without this knowledge and the associated practical application of lifestyle choices that prevent weight gain, becoming overweight or obese appears to be an unavoidable consequence of living a modern lifestyle.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on surgical outcomes in sports medicine

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects a significant proportion of the patients evaluated and treated by orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine. Sports-medicine-related conditions associated with DM include tendinopathy, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, and articular cartilage disease. This article reviews the current literature adressing the effect of DM on surgical outcomes in sports medicine. In general, patients with DM undergo operations more frequently and experience inferior surgical outcomes compared with patients without DM. Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased rates of complications from sports medicine procedures, such as infection, delayed healing, and failure of the operation. However, additional research is needed to determine the full impact of DM on patient outcomes in sports medicine. Surgeons should be cognizant of special considerations in the population of patients with DM and aim to tailor the surgical management of this growing patient population.

Fat mass is a predictor of incident foot pain

OBJECTIVE

Foot pain is a common complaint in adults. Increased BMI and fat mass have been linked only to foot pain prevalence. Therefore, a longitudinal study to examine the relationship between body composition and incident foot pain over 3 years was conducted.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-one community dwelling participants from a previous study of musculoskeletal health, who did not have foot pain at study inception in 2008, were invited to take part in this follow-up study in 2011. Current foot pain was determined using the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index, and body composition was measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry at study baseline.

RESULTS

Of the 51 respondents (84% response rate, 37 females and 14 males), there were 11 who developed foot pain. BMI ranged from underweight to morbidly obese (17-44 kg/m2), mean 27.0 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Incident foot pain was positively associated with both fat mass (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.20) and fat-mass index (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04-1.57) in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Fat mass is a predictor of incident foot pain. This study supports the notion that incident foot pain in overweight individuals is associated with fat mass rather than body mass alone.

Body mass index and achilles tendonitis: a 10-year retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

High body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as an etiologic agent in Achilles tendonitis (AT) and may contribute to poorer treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to better elucidate the role of BMI in both the development and treatment of AT.

METHODS

A matched case-control (1:1) study design was used. Matching criteria were age, gender, and year of presentation. Consecutive patients who presented with a diagnosis of AT between 2002 and 2011 at a single foot and ankle specialty clinic were identified. Patients who presented with other foot pain at the same clinic served as controls (CG). The AT group was further stratified into treatment responders and nonresponders. The main effect measure for both analyses was an adjusted odds ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 944 patients (472 AT; 472 CG) were included. AT patients had higher BMI than those in the CG (30.2 ± 6.5 vs 25.9 ± 5.3, P < .001). Overweight and obese patients were 2.6 to 6.6 times more likely than those with a normal BMI to present with Achilles tendonitis (P < .001). There was also elevated risk of presenting with AT at higher BMI categories (Mantel-Haenszel χ (2) = 8.074, P = .004). However, only age, not BMI, correlated with having failed conservative treatment among the AT group, with patients older than 65 years at the greatest risk (odds ratio = 2.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.5 to 4.1, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

BMI plays a role in the development of AT but does not appear to influence patient response to conservative treatment.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, Level II.

Body mass index and musculoskeletal pain: is there a connection?

Background

Back pain is one of the most common complaints that patients report to physicians and two-thirds of the population has an elevated body mass index (BMI), indicating they are either overweight or obese. It was once assumed that extra body weight would stress the low back and lead to pain, however, researchers have reported inconsistencies association between body weight and back pain. In contrast, more recent studies do indicate that an elevated BMI is associated with back pain and other musculoskeletal pain syndromes due to the presence of a chronic systemic inflammatory state, suggesting that the relationship between BMI and musculoskeletal pains be considered in more detail.

Objective

To describe how an elevated BMI can be associated with chronic systemic inflammation and pain expression. To outline measurable risk factors for chronic inflammation that can be used in clinical practice and discuss basic treatment considerations.

Discussion

Adiposopathy, or “sick fat” syndrome, is a term that refers to an elevated BMI that is associated with a chronic systemic inflammatory state most commonly referred to as the metabolic syndrome. The best available evidence suggests that the presence of adiposopathy determines if an elevated BMI will contribute to musculoskeletal pain expression. It is not uncommon for physicians to fail to identify the presence of adiposopathy/metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

Patients with an elevated BMI should be further examined to identify inflammatory factors associated with adiposopathy, such as the metabolic syndrome, which may be promoting back pain and other musculoskeletal pain syndromes.

Occurrence of tendon pathologies in metabolic disorders

This article reviews the pathogenetic role of metabolic disorders, which are of paramount relevance to the progression of tendon damage. In diabetes, the prevalence of rheumatological diseases is high, mainly because of the deleterious effects of advanced glycation end products that deteriorate the biological and mechanical functions of tendons and ligaments. In heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, most patients develop Achilles xanthomatosis, a marker of high risk for cardiovascular disease caused by cholesterol deposition in the tendons. Tendon degeneration has also been observed in non-familial hypercholesterolaemia. Monosodium urate crystal deposition in soft tissues is a hallmark of chronic gouty arthritis. In this group of diseases, the mobilization of cholesterol and uric acid crystals is presumably followed by low-grade inflammation, which is responsible for tendon degeneration. Adiposity may contribute to tendon disorders via two different mechanisms: increased weight on the load-bearing tendons and systemic dysmetabolic factors that trigger subclinical persistent inflammation. Finally, tendon abnormalities have been observed in some rare congenital metabolism disorders such as alkaptonuria.

Factors that impact rehabilitation strategies after rotator cuff repair

Multiple factors influence rehabilitation strategies after rotator cuff repair. These variables may also impact the overall success of the surgical intervention. Physicians and rehabilitation specialists should be aware of prognostic indicators that can provide therapeutic guidance and offer insights into eventual clinical outcomes. The success of surgical and rehabilitative interventions is often evaluated in terms of patient-reported outcome measures, return to activity, and pain. Although these factors are somewhat interdependent, each of them independently influences the final result. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the recent literature in this area to provide insight as to the short- and long-term outcomes that patients should expect based on their unique presentations. This article examines both intrinsic and extrinsic patient factors to help therapists develop customized rehabilitation programs that optimize surgical outcomes.

Analysis of hereditary and medical risk factors in Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles tendon ruptures: a matched pair analysis

OBJECTIVE

In Achilles tendon injuries, it is suggested that a pathological continuum might be evident from the healthy Achilles tendon to Achilles tendinopathy to Achilles tendon rupture. As such, risk factors for both tendinopathy and rupture should be the same.

HYPOTHESIS

Hereditary and medical risk factors for Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles tendon rupture are the same to a similar extent in a matched pair analysis.

DESIGN

Matched pair study; level of evidence: 3.

SETTING

Recreational sportsmen as well as athletes on national level.

PATIENTS

566 questionnaires were analysed. 310 subjects were allocated to 3 groups (A, B, C) after matching the pairs for age, weight, height and gender: (A) healthy Achilles tendons (n = 89, age 39 ± 11 years, BMI 25.1 ± 3.9, females 36%), (B) chronic Achilles tendinopathy (n = 161, age 41 ± 11 years, BMI 24.4 ± 3.7, females 34%), (C) acute Achilles tendon rupture (n = 60, age 40 ± 9 years, BMI 25.2 ± 3.2, females 27%).

RESULTS

We found a positive family history of Achilles tendinopathy as a risk factor for Achilles tendinopathy (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.1-21.4; p = 0.023), but not for Achilles tendon rupture (OR: 4.0, 95% CI 0.7-21.1, p = 0.118). Smoking and cardiac diseases had a lower incidence in Achilles tendinopathy than in healthy subjects (both p = 0.001), while cardiovascular medication did not change the risk profile.

CONCLUSION

Identifying risk factors associated with Achilles tendon disorders has a high clinical relevance regarding the development and implementation of prevention strategies and programs. This cross-sectional study identified a positive family history as a significant solitary risk factor for Achilles tendinopathy, increasing the risk fivefold. However, in this matched pair analysis excluding age, weight, height and gender as risk factors no further factor necessarily increases the risk for either Achilles tendinopathy or Achilles tendon rupture.

What are the validated animal models for tendinopathy?

Chronic tendinopathy refers to a broad spectrum of pathological conditions in tendons and their insertion, with symptoms including activity-related chronic pain. To study the pathogenesis and management strategies of chronic tendinopathy, studies in animal models are essential. The different animal models in the literature present advantages and limitations, and there is no consensus regarding the criteria of a universal tendinopathy animal model. Based on the review of literature and the discussion in the International Symposium on Ligaments and Tendons-X, we concluded that established clinical, histopathological and functional characteristics of human tendinopathy were all important and relevant criteria to be met, if possible, by animal models. As tendinopathy is a progressive, multifactorial tendon disorder affecting different anatomical structures, it may not be realistic to expect a single animal model to study all aspects of tendinopathy. Staging of tendinopathy over time and clearer definition of tendinopathies in relation to severity and type would enable realistic targets with any animal model. The existing animal models can be used for answering specific questions (horses for courses) but should not be used to conclude the general aspects of tendinopathy neither in animals nor in human.

Lower limb biomechanics during running in individuals with achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review

Background

Abnormal lower limb biomechanics is speculated to be a risk factor for Achilles tendinopathy. This study systematically reviewed the existing literature to identify, critique and summarise lower limb biomechanical factors associated with Achilles tendinopathy.

Methods

We searched electronic bibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Current contents, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus) in November 2010. All prospective cohort and case-control studies that evaluated biomechanical factors (temporospatial parameters, lower limb kinematics, dynamic plantar pressures, kinetics [ground reaction forces and joint moments] and muscle activity) associated with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy were included. Quality of included studies was evaluated using the Quality Index. The magnitude of differences (effect sizes) between cases and controls was calculated using Cohen's d (with 95% CIs).

Results

Nine studies were identified; two were prospective and the remaining seven case-control study designs. The quality of 9 identified studies was varied, with Quality Index scores ranging from 4 to 15 out of 17. All studies analysed running biomechanics. Cases displayed increased eversion range of motion of the rearfoot (d = 0.92 and 0.67 in two studies), reduced maximum lower leg abduction (d = -1.16), reduced ankle joint dorsiflexion velocity (d = -0.62) and reduced knee flexion during gait (d = -0.90). Cases also demonstrated a number of differences in dynamic plantar pressures (primarily the distribution of the centre of force), ground reaction forces (large effects for timing variables) and also showed reduced peak tibial external rotation moment (d = -1.29). Cases also displayed differences in the timing and amplitude of a number of lower limb muscles but many differences were equivocal.

Conclusions

There are differences in lower limb biomechanics between those with and without Achilles tendinopathy that may have implications for the prevention and management of the condition. However, the findings need to be interpreted with caution due to the limited quality of a number of the included studies. Future well-designed prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Patellar tendinopathy in master track and field athletes: influence of impact profile, weight, height, age and gender

PURPOSE

Patellar tendinopathy causes significant morbidity in professional and recreational athletes. Despite the relevance of the problem, its causative factors remain poorly understood. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the influence of age, gender, weight, height and impact profile on developing patellar tendinopathy in master track and field athletes.

METHODS

During the European Veterans Athletics Championships in Poznań in July 2006, 174 athletes (103 men and 71 women; mean age: 53.8 (SD 11.4) years, range 35-82 years) were evaluated with the VISA-P questionnaire. A fully trained orthopaedic surgeon made a diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy according to clinical criteria.

RESULTS

There was no effect of gender upon the presence of patellar tendinopathy (n.s.). No significant track and field specialty effect upon the frequency of patellar tendinopathy was found on the VISA-P questionnaire scores. There was no effect of track and field specialty on the VISA-P score. No evidence of a statistically significant association was found between age and VISA-P score (n.s.). There was no statistically significant difference in either prevalence of patellar tendinopathy or VISA-P score between high-impact and low-impact athletes (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

In master track and field athletes, impact profile, weight, height, age and gender did not exert any influence on developing patellar tendinopathy.

Achilles tendon ruptures in diabetic patients

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of percutaneous repair of an acute AT rupture in diabetic patients.

METHOD

The study included 39 subjects who were operated at our institution. We performed pre-operative evaluations the day of surgery, and report the results of post-operative evaluation at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

The Achilles tendon total rupture score had a post-operative average rating of 70.4 ± 13 (range 55-92). All patients were able to fully weight bear on the operated limb by the end of the eighth post-operative week. Eight patients suffered from a superficial infection of the surgical wound.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, percutaneous repair of the AT is a viable option for diabetic patients.

Deciphering the pathogenesis of tendinopathy: a three-stages process

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of "tendinopathy" is based on fragmented evidences like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. We propose a "failed healing theory" to knit these fragments together, which can explain previous observations. We also propose that albeit "overuse injury" and other insidious "micro trauma" may well be primary triggers of the process, "tendinopathy" is not an "overuse injury" per se. The typical clinical, histological and biochemical presentation relates to a localized chronic pain condition which may lead to tendon rupture, the latter attributed to mechanical weakness. Characterization of pathological "tendinotic" tissues revealed coexistence of collagenolytic injuries and an active healing process, focal hypervascularity and tissue metaplasia. These observations suggest a failed healing process as response to a triggering injury. The pathogenesis of tendinopathy can be described as a three stage process: injury, failed healing and clinical presentation. It is likely that some of these "initial injuries" heal well and we speculate that predisposing intrinsic or extrinsic factors may be involved. The injury stage involves a progressive collagenolytic tendon injury. The failed healing stage mainly refers to prolonged activation and failed resolution of the normal healing process. Finally, the matrix disturbances, increased focal vascularity and abnormal cytokine profiles contribute to the clinical presentations of chronic tendon pain or rupture. With this integrative pathogenesis theory, we can relate the known manifestations of tendinopathy and point to the "missing links". This model may guide future research on tendinopathy, until we could ultimately decipher the complete pathogenesis process and provide better treatments.

Gender and eccentric training in Achilles mid-portion tendinopathy

The role of gender in Achilles tendinopathy is yet to be determined. We hypothesized that female patients respond the same as males to 12 weeks of painful eccentric training. A total number of 75 consecutive mid-portion patients with Achilles tendinopathy (25 females, 38 males) were enrolled in a cohort study with 63 being analyzed after 12 weeks according to their gender for tendon and paratendon microcirculatory mapping. Outcome was determined by pain on visual analogue scale, VISA-A score, Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), tendon and paratendon capillary blood flow, oxygen saturation, and postcapillary venous filling pressures. Eccentric training resulted in a morning resting pain reduction by 44% in males (P = 0.001) and by 27% in females (P = 0.08). VISA-A score improved in males by 27% from 63 +/- 12 to 86 +/- 13 (P = 0.036) and by 20% in females from 60 +/- 14 to 75 +/- 11 (P = 0.043, P < 0.05 for gender difference). Among females, only one out of five FAOS items was increased (sport 72 +/- 21 to 82 +/- 15, P = 0.045), while in males, four out of five items were increased (symptoms, pain, all-day-life, and sport, all P < 0.01). The microcirculatory gender-specific response to eccentric training revealed a greater postcapillary venous filling pressure reduction among symptomatic females and inconclusive capillary blood flow changes. No change in tendon oxygenation was noted in both genders. Symptomatic females suffering Achilles tendinopathy do not benefit as much as symptomatic males from 12 weeks of eccentric training. The pain reduction is significantly lower among symptomatic females in contrast to males, and the improvement in the FAOS and VISA-A scores is significantly lower among females in contrast to males. Additional treatment options warrant scrutiny to symptomatic females suffering Achilles tendinopathy beyond eccentric training.

Asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology is associated with a central fat distribution in men and a peripheral fat distribution in women: a cross sectional study of 298 individuals

Background

Adiposity is a modifiable factor that has been implicated in tendinopathy. As tendon pain reduces physical activity levels and can lead to weight gain, associations between tendon pathology and adiposity must be studied in individuals without tendon pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether fat distribution was associated with asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology.

Methods

The Achilles tendons of 298 individuals were categorised as normal or pathological using diagnostic ultrasound. Fat distribution was determined using anthropometry (waist circumference, waist hip ratio [WHR]) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology was more evident in men (13%) than women (5%) (p = 0.007). Men with tendon pathology were older (50.9 ± 10.4, 36.3 ± 11.3, p < 0.001), had greater WHR (0.926 ± 0.091, 0.875 ± 0.065, p = 0.039), higher android/gynoid fat mass ratio (0.616 ± 0.186, 0.519 ± 0.142, p = 0.014) and higher upper-body/lower body fat mass ratio (2.346 ± 0.630, 2.022 ± 0.467, p = 0.013). Men older than 40 years with a waist circumference >83 cm had the greatest prevalence of tendon pathology (33%). Women with tendon pathology were older (47.4 ± 10.0, 36.0 ± 10.3, p = 0.008), had less total fat (17196 ± 3173 g, 21626 ± 7882 g, p = 0.009), trunk fat (7367 ± 1662 g, 10087 ± 4152 g, p = 0.003) and android fat (1117 ± 324 g, 1616 ± 811 g, p = 0.005). They had lower central/peripheral fat mass ratios (0.711 ± 0.321 g, 0.922 ± 0.194 g, p = 0.004) than women with normal tendons. Women with tendon pathology were more often menopausal (63%, 13%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Men with Achilles tendon pathology were older and had a central fat distribution. Women with tendon pathology were older and had a peripheral fat distribution. An interaction between age and waist circumference was observed among men.