Ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: A prospective case series

Pathophysiology and healing of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: Current concepts

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a challenging condition that significantly impacts athletes and physically active individuals, often leading to chronic pain and impaired performance. IAT is characterized by a complex interplay of mechanical stress, vascular impairment, inflammatory responses, and extracellular matrix (ECM) dysregulation at the Achilles tendon insertion. This review integrates recent advancements in the understanding of IAT pathophysiology, with focus on the effects of tensile and compressive loads, intratendinous pressure changes, tissue hypoxia, and ECM water balance. Emerging evidence indicates that mechanical loading influences tendon homeostasis through mechanotransduction, leading to ECM remodeling and fibrocartilaginous adaptation. Although appropriate compressive loading is necessary to maintain ECM homeostasis and fibrocartilage regeneration, excessive or abnormal loading disrupts tendon repair mechanisms and contributes to degenerative changes. Furthermore, increased intra-tendinous pressure impairs capillary perfusion, thereby promoting a hypoxic microenvironment that exacerbates the inflammatory response. Dysregulated water retention due to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and hyaluronic acid affects intra-tendinous pressure, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies targeting ECM hydration. This review also explores the roles of macrophage polarization, cytokine regulation, and growth factors in tendon healing, emphasizing their potential therapeutic implications. By integrating the anatomical, biomechanical, and molecular insights, this review provides a comprehensive perspective of IAT pathophysiology and its healing mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to optimizing conservative treatments, refining surgical approaches, and developing novel therapeutic strategies to enhance tendon repair and prevent disease progression.

A motion-responsive injectable lubricative hydrogel for efficient Achilles tendon adhesion prevention

Achilles tendon is a motor organ that is prone to tissue adhesion during its repair process after rupture. Therefore, developing motion-responsive and anti-adhesive biomaterials is an important need for the repair of Achilles tendon rupture. Here, we report an injectable lubricative hydrogel (ILH) based on hydration lubrication mechanism, which is also motion-responsive based on sol-gel reversible transmission. The lubrication performance is achieved by zwitterionic polymers as we previously proved, and the sol-gel reversible transmission is enabled by dynamic disulfide bonds. Firstly, ILH was proved to be successfully prepared and lubricated as well as sol-gel reversible via FTIR characterization, rheological measurement and tribological tests. Then, in vitro cell experiments and coagulation tests demonstrated the optimal cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility of ILH. To evaluate the potential of ILH's biofunction in vivo, SD rats' Achilles tendon rupture & repair model was established. The animal experiments' results showed that ILH significantly prevented tendon adhesion and thus promote tendon healing by inhibiting TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway. We believe this work will open a new horizon for tendon adhesion-free repair.

Superficial retrocalcaneal bursae and nerves: From anatomy to ultrasound-guided procedures

The pertinent literature widely describes ultrasound-guided procedures targeting the retrocalcaneal bursa and the tendon tissue to manage insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Synovial bursae and cutaneous nerves of the superficial retrocalcaneal pad are often overlooked pain generators and are poorly considered by clinicians and surgeons. A layer-by-layer dissection of the superficial soft tissues in the retrocalcaneal region of two fresh frozen cadavers was matched with historical anatomical tables of the textbook Traite d'Anatomie Topographique Avec Applications Médico-Chirurgicales (1909 by Testut and Jacob). An accurate and detailed description of the superficial retrocalcaneal pad with its synovial bursae and cutaneous nerves was provided. Cadaveric dissections confirmed the compartmentalized architecture of the superficial retrocalcaneal fat pad and its histological continuum with the superficial lamina of the crural fascia. Superficial synovial tissue islands have been demonstrated on the posterior aspect of the Achilles tendon in one cadaver and on the posterolateral surface of the tendon in the other one. Digitalization of the original anatomical tables of the textbook Traite d'Anatomie Topographique Avec Applications Médico-Chirurgicales (1909 by Testut and Jacob) showed five potential locations of the superficial calcaneal bursa and a superficial retrocalcaneal nerve plexus within the Achilles tendon-fat pad interface. In clinical practice, in addition to the previously described interventions regarding the retrocalcaneal bursa and the tendon tissue, ultrasound-guided procedures targeting the synovial and neural tissues of the superficial retrocalcaneal pad should be considered to optimize the management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Current Concepts in Orthobiologics for Achilles Tendon Injuries: A Critical Analysis Review

» Platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid are low-risk and potentially high-reward treatments for Achilles tendinopathy, although clinical studies have yielded mixed results with questionable methodological quality» Case series and reports have reported that bone marrow aspirate, stem cells, and amniotic membrane products can improve functional outcomes, alleviate pain, and facilitate return to sport and activities, but high-level evidence studies are lacking» Exosomes are a promising novel biologic with laboratory studies showing improved collagen organization and cell proliferation, greater tendon mechanical properties, and prevention of extracellular matrix breakdown.» Standardization of protocols with clear reporting is necessary for future studies evaluating orthobiologic therapies for Achilles tendon injuries.

Histo-Anatomy and Sonographic Examination for the Retrocalcaneal Bursal Complex: EURO-MUSCULUS/USPRM Approach

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is an umbrella medical term referring to pain and swelling on the posterior aspect of the calcaneus. High-resolution ultrasound imaging is commonly used in daily practice to assess the pathological changes of the Achilles tendon, cortical bone of the calcaneus, and soft tissues located inside the retrocalcaneal space to optimize the management of relevant patients. To the best of our knowledge, a standardized ultrasound protocol to evaluate the retrocalcaneal bursal complex is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, our step-by-step sonographic approach is intended to be an easy and ready-to-use guide for sonographers/physicians in daily practice to assess this anatomical complex in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Needless to say, the peculiar histological features of this V-shaped synovial/fibrocartilaginous bursa surrounding the posteroinferior wedge of the Kager's fat pad and the retrocalcaneal space make the examination challenging.

Ultrasound-guided infiltration with hyaluronic acid compared with corticosteroid for the treatment of Morton's neuroma

Aims

A local injection may be used as an early option in the treatment of Morton's neuroma, and can be performed using various medications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of injections of hyaluronic acid compared with corticosteroid in the treatment of this condition.

Methods

A total of 91 patients were assessed for this trial, of whom 45 were subsequently included and randomized into two groups. One patient was lost to follow-up, leaving 22 patients (24 feet) in each group. The patients in the hyaluronic acid group were treated with three ultrasound-guided injections (one per week) of hyaluronic acid (Osteonil Plus). Those in the corticosteroid group were treated with three ultrasound-guided injections (also one per week) of triamcinolone (Triancil). The patients were evaluated before treatment and at one, three, six, and 12 months after treatment. The primary outcome measure was the visual analogue scale for pain (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and complications.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and AOFAS scores (p < 0.05) after 12 months. The corticosteroid group had a significantly greater reduction in VAS and increase in AOFAS scores compared with the hyaluronic acid group, at one, three, and six months, but with no significant difference at 12 months. There were no complications in the hyaluronic acid group. There were minor local complications in six patients (six feet) (25.0%) in the corticosteroid group, all with discolouration of the skin at the site of the injection. These minor complications might have been due to the three weekly injections of a relatively high dose of corticosteroid. No patient subsequently underwent excision of the neuroma.

Conclusion

An ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection showed statistically significantly better functional and pain outcomes than an ultrasound-guided injection of hyaluronic acid for the treatment of a Morton's neuroma at many timepoints. Thus, a corticosteroid injection should be regarded as a primary option in the treatment of these patients, and the only indication for an injection of hyaluronic acid might be in patients in whom corticosteroid is contraindicated.

A pilot study exploring the use of hyaluronic acid in treating insertional achilles tendinopathy

PURPOSE

This study explores the use of ultrasound-guided Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (IAT).

METHODS

A cohort of 15 ankles diagnosed with IAT received three weekly ultrasound-guided HA injections. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire scored the severity of symptoms and functional impairment before treatment, and at one and six months post-treatment.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was observed in VISA-A scores post-treatment, rising from an average baseline of 34.8 ± 15.2 (11-63) to 53.6 ± 20.9 (15-77) after one month, and then to 50.7 ± 18.6 (20-75) after six months. No adverse reactions were noted, underscoring the safety of the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The pilot study presents HA injections as a potentially effective treatment for IAT, while interpretation of these findings must take into account the variability in results, indicating a range of patient responses. It encourages further research to confirm these findings and to explore HA's full potential in managing IAT, despite the limitations of a small sample size and lack of control group.

Achilles Tendinopathy Pathogenesis and Management: A Narrative Review

The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon of the human body, and it is frequently injured during sports activity. The incidence of Achilles tendon pathologies has increased over recent decades, especially in the last few years, because of increased sports participation among the general population and due to the diffusion of competitive sports at a high level. Tendinopathies are common in athletes and in middle-aged overweight patients. The term "tendinopathy" refers to a condition characterised clinically by pain and swelling, with functional limitations of tendon and nearby structures, and consequently to chronic failure of healing response process. Tendinopathies can produce marked morbidity, and at present, scientifically validated management modalities are limited. Despite the constantly increasing interest and number of studies about Achilles tendinopathy (AT), there is still not a consensual point of view on which is the best treatment, and its management is still controversial. AT can be treated conservatively primarily, with acceptable results and clinical outcomes. When this approach fails, surgery should be considered. Several surgical procedures have been described for both conditions with a relatively high rate of success with few complications and the decision for treatment in patients with AT should be tailored on patient's needs and level of activity. The aim of this article is to give insights about the pathogenesis and most used and recent treatment options for AT.

Nonoperative Management of the Achilles Tendon Insertion

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy can be a very challenging clinical syndrome with various nonoperative measures typically attempted before surgical intervention. Associated complications are known with surgical repair and can be limb altering. Owing to the longevity of clinical symptoms before clinical presentation, changing the pathophysiologic process and halting the inflammatory changes becomes paramount. Here we discuss nonoperative techniques and updates in the foot and ankle literature.