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Paantjens MA, Helmhout PH, Backx FJG, Martens MTAW, Bakker EWP. Prognostic value of ultrasound tissue characterisation for a recurrence of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy in military service members: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Mil Health 2025; 171:26-32. [PMID: 37709504 PMCID: PMC11877116 DOI: 10.1136/military-2023-002521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tendon structure in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (mid-AT) appears poorly associated with symptoms. Yet, degenerative tendon changes on imaging have been associated with an increased risk of mid-AT. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) for a mid-AT recurrence in service members reporting to be recovered following standard care. METHODS Mid-portion aligned fibrillar structure was quantified post-treatment in 37 participants. Recurrences were determined after 1 year of follow-up, based on self-perceived recurrence (yes/no) combined with a decrease in post-treatment Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles score of at least the minimal important change of 7 points. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to determine a threshold for dichotomisation of outcomes for aligned fibrillar structure (normal representation/under-representation). Using multivariable logistic regression, the association between a mid-AT recurrence (yes/no) and the dichotomised aligned fibrillar structure was determined. RESULTS Eight participants (22%) experienced a recurrence. The threshold for aligned fibrillar structure was set at 73.2% (95% CI: 69.4% to 77.8%) according to Youden's index. Values below this threshold were significantly associated with a mid-AT recurrence (odds ratio (OR) 9.7, 95% CI: 1.007 to 93.185). The OR for a mid-AT recurrence was 1.1 (95% CI: 1.002 to 1.150) for each additional month of symptom duration. The explained variance of our multivariable logistic regression model was 0.423; symptom duration appeared to be a better predictor than aligned fibrillar structure. CONCLUSIONS This study identified mid-portion aligned fibrillar structure and symptom duration as potential prognostic factors for a mid-AT recurrence in military service members. The threshold for aligned fibrillar structure of 73.2% can guide preventative interventions (eg, training load adjustments or additional tendon load programmes) aiming to improve tendon structure to minimise the future recurrence risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER https://www.toetsingonline.nl/to/ccmo_search.nsf/Searchform?OpenForm, file number ToetsingOnline NL69527.028.19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Paantjens
- Sports Medicine Centre, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P H Helmhout
- Centre of Excellence, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F J G Backx
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M T A W Martens
- Fontys University of Applied Science, Paramedical Department, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - E W P Bakker
- Department Epidemiology and Data Science, Division EPM, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Paantjens MA, Helmhout PH, Backx FJG, Bakker EWP. Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles thresholds for minimal important change and return to presymptom activity level in active soldiers with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. BMJ Mil Health 2024; 170:e156-e160. [PMID: 36889820 PMCID: PMC11672044 DOI: 10.1136/military-2022-002326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (mid-AT) is common in soldiers, significantly impacting activity levels and operational readiness. Currently, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) represents the gold standard to evaluate pain and function in mid-AT. Our objective was to estimate VISA-A thresholds for minimal important change (MIC) and patient-acceptable symptom state for return to the presymptom activity level (PASS-RTA), in soldiers treated with a conservative programme for mid-AT. METHODS A total of 40 soldiers (40 unilateral symptomatic Achilles tendons) were included in this prospective cohort study. Pain and function were evaluated using VISA-A. Self-perceived recovery was assessed with the Global Perceived Effect scale. The predictive modelling method (MIC-predict) was used to estimate MIC VISA-A post-treatment (after 26 weeks) and after 1 year of follow-up. The post-treatment PASS-RTA VISA-A was estimated using receiver operating characteristic statistics. The PASS-RTA was determined by calculating Youden's index value closest to 1. RESULTS The adjusted MIC-predict was 6.97 points (95% CI 4.18 to 9.76) after 26 weeks and 7.37 points (95% CI 4.58 to 10.2) after 1 year of follow-up post-treatment.The post-treatment PASS-RTA was 95.5 points (95% CI 92.2 to 97.8). CONCLUSIONS A VISA-A change score of 7 points, post-treatment and at 1 year of follow-up, can be considered a minimal within-person change over time, above which soldiers with mid-AT perceive themselves importantly changed. Soldiers consider their symptoms to be acceptable for return to their presymptom activity level at a post-treatment VISA-A score of 96 points or higher. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL69527.028.19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Paantjens
- Sports Medicine Centre, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P H Helmhout
- Centre of Excellence, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F J G Backx
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E W P Bakker
- Department Epidemiology and Data Science, Division EPM, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, North Holland, The Netherlands
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Steinberg N, Shenhar M, Dar G, Waddington G, Witchalls J, Paulman O, Milgrom C, Finestone A. Ankle sprains in male Israeli infantry soldiers during training: prevalence and risk factors. Inj Prev 2024:ip-2023-045126. [PMID: 39332893 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-045126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the high incidence and heavy burden of ankle sprains in recruits, large-scale, multifactorial investigations into potential risk factors are warranted. This study aimed to identify the incidence of ankle sprains and associated risk factors among new military recruits during their infantry training. METHODS The study included 365 infantry recruits (aged 18-21 years), who were inducted into service in March 2022. These recruits were monitored for ankle sprains throughout their basicy and advanced infantry training by a physiotherapist. Preinduction smoking habits, physical fitness preparation and recurrent ankle sprains were recorded. Anthropometric measures, lower-extremity functional movement, Achilles tendon structure, perceived ankle instability, and mechanical ankle instability were assessed at the onset of both training periods. RESULTS Ankle sprains were diagnosed in 109 trainees (29.9%) during both the basic and the advanced training periods. Preinduction recurrent ankle sprains were reported by 28.2% of the participants. The relative risk of a recruit with preinduction ankle sprains suffering a subsequent sprain during training was 1.66 (p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that reduced proprioception ability (OR=0.002), higher body mass index (OR=1.08), preinduction recurrent sprains (OR=1.95) and lack of physical fitness preparation (OR=3.12) were related to ankle sprains throughout the complete basic-and-advanced training period. Preinduction recurrent ankle sprains (OR=3.37) and reduced Achilles tendon quality (OR=1.30) were associated with ankle sprains during the advanced training period. CONCLUSIONS Lower-extremity functional movement, body mass index, preinduction recurrent sprains, physical preparation and reduced Achilles tendon quality were associated with the risk of ankle sprains during training. These findings could contribute to developing prevention and intervention programmes for reducing ankle sprains in military trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gali Dar
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gordon Waddington
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jeremy Witchalls
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Chuck Milgrom
- Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Steinberg N, Elbaz L, Eliakim A, Nemet D, Bar-Sella S, Peleg S, Dar G. Tendon structure, clinical tests, and pain during-loading in young female competitive gymnasts. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:1605-1616. [PMID: 39299935 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2403290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
To examine the relationship between Achilles-tendon (AT) and patellar-tendon (PT) structure, clinical-examination and tendon pain in young gymnasts; and, to explore the associations between these factors and age, maturation, and training-load. Two hundred and seventy-four female gymnasts (aged 12.1±1.9 yrs) were assessed for anthropometric measures, pubertal-stage, and training-load. They had clinical-tests (pain-on-palpation for AT and pain-on-palpation and Royal-London Hospital-Test for PT), were asked about tendon-pain during-loading and were assessed for tendon-structure. Gymnasts with positive clinical-tests (with and without pain during-loading) presented a significantly higher prevalence of disorganized AT and PT compared to gymnasts with negative clinical-tests (with and without pain during-loading) (p<0.05). A significant pubertyXpositive clinical-test interaction was found for disorganized PT structure, whereby a disorganized structure was more prevalent among post-pubertal gymnasts with positive clinical-tests compared to pre-pubertal participants with negative clinical-tests (F(1, 263)=9.436, p=0.002). In gymnasts with positive clinical-tests, significant correlations were found between disorganized AT and PT structures and age, and training-load (p<0.05). An increased prevalence of disorganized tendon structure (regardless of pain during-loading) was seen in participants with positive clinical-tests. This disorganized tendon-structure was found to be significantly related to increased age, post-pubertal stage, and higher training hours in gymnasts with positive clinical-tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Steinberg
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Liav Elbaz
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Alon Eliakim
- Child Health and Sport Center, Pediatrics, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Nemet
- Child Health and Sport Center, Pediatrics, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shelly Bar-Sella
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Smadar Peleg
- The Academic College Levinsky-Wingate, Wingate Campus, Netanya, Israel
| | - Gali Dar
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Steinberg N, Sitton Y, Kramer S, Levy Y, Siev-Ner I. Patellofemoral pain and musculoskeletal features in young pre- and post-pubertal female dancers. Res Sports Med 2024; 32:751-766. [PMID: 37482763 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2023.2235047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine associations between patellofemoral pain (PFP) and musculoskeletal features (such as tendon structure and bone properties) in young (pre- and post-pubertal) female dancers. A total of 49 dancers participated in this study (mean age 13.6 ± 2.9; weight 47.0 ± 13.2; height 153.7 ± 12.9 and body mass index (BMI) 19.4 ± 3.1) and were assessed for the following factors: dance background and Tanner stage through interviews; ultrasonography assessments of bone properties and patellar tendon structure through ultrasonographic tissue characterization and quantitative ultrasound, respectively; and anthropometric measurements, muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), hypermobility and PFP through physical examinations. PFP was found in 49% of the participants. Post-pubertal dancers with no-PFP were found to have greater muscle strength, greater radial and tibial properties, and better tendon structure compared to pre-pubertal dancers with PFP and compared to pre-pubertal dancers with no-PFP [F(2, 41) = 18.64, p < .001; F(2, 41) = 20.46, p < .001; F(2, 41) = 33.06, p < .001; and, F(2, 41) = 6.02, p = .007, respectively]. Logistic regression showed that tibial bone properties and range of movement (ROM) in hip external rotation were significantly associated with PFP [odds ratio (OR) = .889 and OR = 2.653, respectively; Cox & Snell R2 = .701]. The study revealed a high prevalence of PFP among young dancers, with low bone properties and hyperjoint ROM emerging as the main factors that are related to PFP. These findings should be addressed by medical teams, athletic trainers, and dance teachers regarding the need for implementing modifications to dance training programmes and injury-prevention strategies in young pre-pubertal dancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Steinberg
- Life Science, The Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Yael Sitton
- Life Science, The Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel
| | - Shilo Kramer
- Department of rehabilitation, Adi-Negev Rehabilitation Hospital, Adi-Negev, Israel
| | - Yahav Levy
- Orthopedic Department, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itzhak Siev-Ner
- Department of rehabilitation, Adi-Negev Rehabilitation Hospital, Adi-Negev, Israel
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Paantjens MA, Helmhout PH, Backx FJG, Martens MTAW, van Dongen JPA, Bakker EWP. Poor association between tendon structure and self-reported symptoms following conservative management in active soldiers with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. BMJ Mil Health 2024; 170:331-336. [PMID: 36270734 PMCID: PMC11287647 DOI: 10.1136/military-2022-002241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (mid-AT) is currently the preferred term for persistent Achilles tendon pain, defined as located 2-7 cm proximal to the calcaneus, and with loss of function related to mechanical loading. Histologically, mid-AT is considered to represent a degenerative condition. Therefore, monitoring of tendon structure additional to pain and function may be warranted, to prevent progression of degeneration or even tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to determine the association between pain and function, relative to the Achilles tendon structure, in soldiers treated with a conservative programme for mid-AT. METHODS A total of 40 soldiers (40 unilateral symptomatic tendons) were included in this study. Pain and function were evaluated with the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment -Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. Tendon structure was quantified using ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC). We quantified both the Achilles tendon mid-portion (2-7 cm) and the area of maximum degeneration (AoMD) within the tendon mid-portion. VISA-A and UTC measurements were taken at baseline and after 26 weeks of follow-up. Spearman's rho was used to determine the correlation between VISA-A and UTC. Correlations were calculated for baseline, follow-up and change score values. RESULTS Negligible correlations were found for all analyses, ranging from -0.173 to 0.166 between mid-portion tendon structure and VISA-A, and from -0.137 to 0.150 between AoMD and VISA-A. While VISA-A scores improved, on average, from 59.4 points at baseline to 93.5 points at follow-up, no detectable improvement in aligned fibrillar structure was observed in our population. CONCLUSION Pain and function are poorly associated with Achilles tendon structure in soldiers treated with a conservative programme for mid-AT. Therefore, we advise clinicians to use great caution in communicating relationships between both clinical entities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL69527.028.19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Paantjens
- Sports Medicine Centre, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P H Helmhout
- Centre of Excellence, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F J G Backx
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M T A W Martens
- Fontys University of Applied Science, School of Allied Health Professions, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - J P A van Dongen
- National Institute of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, Vianen, The Netherlands
| | - E W P Bakker
- Department Epidemiology and Data Science, Division EPM, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Pereira CS, Klauznicer J, Maree D, McAuliffe S, Farooq A, Whiteley R, Finni T. Quadriceps strength, patellar tendon quality, relative load exposure, and knee symptoms in male athletes before the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1283635. [PMID: 37928751 PMCID: PMC10624220 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1283635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries cause knee instability, knee pain, weight-bearing adjustments, and functional deficits but their association to patellar tendon quality is unknown. Our purpose was to investigate quadriceps strength, patellar tendon quality, relative load exposure, perceived knee stability, knee pain, extension angle, and time from ACL injury; in addition to examining their relative associations. Methods Injured and uninjured legs of 81 male athletes of different sports with a unilateral ACL injury (18-45 years) were examined. Participants reported location and intensity of knee pain and their perceived stability using a numerical rating scale (NRS 0-10). Strength was tested with an isokinetic device. Tendon quality was measured using ultrasound tissue characterization. Means ± standard deviation (SD) of perceived knee stability, knee extension angle, knee pain, isokinetic quadriceps strength in relation to body mass, proportion of echo-types (I-IV), tendon volume, and number of days from ACL injury to assessment are reported. Values of effect sizes (ES) and correlations (rs) were calculated. Results ACL injured leg demonstrated reduced reported knee stability (6.3 ± 2.5), decreased knee extension angle (-0.7 ± 3.1° vs. -2.7 ± 2.2°; ES = 0.7; P < 0.001), greater knee pain (NRS 3.1 ± 2.2 vs. 0.0 ± 0.1; ES = 2.0; P < 0.001), and 22% lower quadriceps strength (228.0 ± 65.0 vs. 291.2 ± 52.9 Nm/kg: ES = 1.2; P < 0.001) as compared to the uninjured leg. However, patellar tendons in both legs displayed similar quality. Quadriceps strength was associated with stability (rs = -0.54; P < 0.001), pain (rs = -0.47; P < 0.001), extension angle (rs = -0.39; P < 0.001), and relative load exposure (rs = -0.34; P < 0.004). Echo-types distribution was beneficially associated with time from ACL injury (rs range: -0.20/ -0.32; P < 0.05). Discussion ACL injured athletes displayed knee pain, extension deficit, and weaker quadriceps in the injured leg. While there were no differences in patellar tendon quality between legs, longer time from ACL injury showed better tendon quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S. Pereira
- Rehabilitation Department, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha, Qatar
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of PhysicalActivity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jasenko Klauznicer
- Rehabilitation Department, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dustin Maree
- Rehabilitation Department, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sean McAuliffe
- Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulaziz Farooq
- Rehabilitation Department, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rod Whiteley
- Rehabilitation Department, ASPETAR, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha, Qatar
| | - Taija Finni
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of PhysicalActivity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Hayashi D, Roemer FW, Tol JL, Heiss R, Crema MD, Jarraya M, Rossi I, Luna A, Guermazi A. Emerging Quantitative Imaging Techniques in Sports Medicine. Radiology 2023; 308:e221531. [PMID: 37552087 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.221531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
This article describes recent advances in quantitative imaging of musculoskeletal extremity sports injuries, citing the existing literature evidence and what additional evidence is needed to make such techniques applicable to clinical practice. Compositional and functional MRI techniques including T2 mapping, diffusion tensor imaging, and sodium imaging as well as contrast-enhanced US have been applied to quantify pathophysiologic processes and biochemical compositions of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Dual-energy and/or spectral CT has shown potential, particularly for the evaluation of osseous and ligamentous injury (eg, creation of quantitative bone marrow edema maps), which is not possible with standard single-energy CT. Recent advances in US technology such as shear-wave elastography or US tissue characterization as well as MR elastography enable the quantification of mechanical, elastic, and physical properties of tissues in muscle and tendon injuries. The future role of novel imaging techniques such as photon-counting CT remains to be established. Eventual prediction of return to play (ie, the time needed for the injury to heal sufficiently so that the athlete can get back to playing their sport) and estimation of risk of repeat injury is desirable to help guide sports physicians in the treatment of their patients. Additional values of quantitative analyses, as opposed to routine qualitative analyses, still must be established using prospective longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daichi Hayashi
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Frank W Roemer
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Johannes L Tol
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Rafael Heiss
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Michel D Crema
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Mohamed Jarraya
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Ignacio Rossi
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Luna
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
| | - Ali Guermazi
- From the Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H.); Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass (D.H., F.W.R., M.D.C., A.G.); Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany (F.W.R., R.H.); University of Amsterdam Academic Center for Evidence-based Sports Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (J.L.T.); Institute of Sports Imaging, French National Institute of Sports, Paris, France (M.D.C.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (M.J.); Centro Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I.R.); Department of Radiology, HT Medica, Jaén, Spain (A.L.); and Department of Radiology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway, Suite 1B105, West Roxbury, MA 02132 (A.G.)
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Steinberg N, Funk S, Zeev A, Waddington G, Svorai-Litvak S, Pantanowitz M. Achilles Tendon and Patellar Tendon Structure in Combat Soldiers Following Prevention Exercises. Mil Med 2023; 188:678-688. [PMID: 35134964 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military training that increases physical stress on musculoskeletal morphology also increases the risk of orthopedic injuries. Somatosensory prevention programs that reduce stress and improve functionality could be beneficial for better organization of tendon structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a somatosensory prevention exercise on the tendon structure (percentage of echo-type fibers; A-P and M-L diameters and cross-sectional area) of the Achilles tendon and patellar tendon among combat soldiers. MATERIALS AND METHODS These tendons of male Infantry soldiers aged 18-21 were screened before and after a 14-week training course. The intervention group, who performed preventative exercises, included 108 soldiers (BMI = 23.85 ± 2.76), while the control group, who participated in the same military course without these exercises, included 98 soldiers (BMI = 24.26 ± 4.03). Ultrasound scanning for tendon structure included percent of echo-type I-IV fibers, A-P diameter, M-L diameter, and cross-sectional area parameters. RESULTS Time by group interaction was found for echo-type I and II in both tendons. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the pretesting percentage of echo-type IV fibers of the Achilles tendon (P = .522), in echo-type III fibers of the Achilles tendon (P = .833), and echo-type IV fibers of the patellar tendon (P = .162). Greater pre-post differences in echo-type III and IV fibers were found in the control group compared with the intervention group for both the Achilles tendon (P = .021, P = .002) and the patellar tendon (P < .001, P < .001). CONCLUSION Increased damaged fibers (echo-type III and IV) of both tendons were found among the control group, yet not among soldiers who performed prevention exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Steinberg
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Shani Funk
- Combat Fitness Department, Doctrine and Research Branch, IDF, Netanya 01443, Israel
| | - Aviva Zeev
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Gordon Waddington
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | | | - Michal Pantanowitz
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
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Paantjens MA, Helmhout PH, Gerardus Backx FJ, Willibrord Martens MTA, van Dongen JPA, Petrus Bakker EW. Intra- and Inter-Rater Reliability of Processing Ultrasound Tissue Characterization Scans in Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy. TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9348298. [PMID: 38655162 PMCID: PMC11022779 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9348298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is used to visualize and quantify the Achilles tendon structure. We investigated the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of UTC for quantifying the midportion tendon structure and the area of maximum degeneration (AoMD) in military personnel with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Method UTC scans of 50 patients (16-60 years) were processed twice by rater 1 and once by rater 2. First, the midportion tendon structure was quantified and subsequently the AoMD. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for echo-types I, II, III, IV, aligned fibrillar structure (echo-types I + II), and disorganized tendon structure (echo-types III + IV). Results For midportion tendon structure, all ICC values were excellent for intra-rater reliability (range: 0.97 to 0.99) and inter-rater reliability (range: 0.98 to 0.99). Regarding the AoMD, intra-rater reliability showed excellent ICC values for all echo-types (range: 0.94 to 0.98) except for echo-type II (0.85). Inter-rater reliability showed excellent ICC values for all echo-types (range: 0.92 to 0.98). Conclusion Processing of UTC scans is highly reliable in quantifying the midportion Achilles tendon structure and the AoMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Adriaan Paantjens
- Sports Medicine Centre, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pieter Herman Helmhout
- Centre of Excellence, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Eric Wilhelmus Petrus Bakker
- Department Epidemiology and Data Science, Division EPM, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Steinberg N, Funk S, Svorai-Band S, Yavnai N, Pantanowitz M, Zeev A, Dar G. The Influence of a 14-Week Infantry Commanders Courses on the Achilles Tendon and Patellar Tendon Structure. Mil Med 2021; 187:e377-e386. [PMID: 33533888 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alternated tendon structure may raise stress to the musculoskeletal structures and may increase the potential for overuse injury. Screening the tendon structure of soldiers pre- and post-participation in a strenuous combat course is essential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of a 14-week infantry commanders courses on the Achilles tendon (AT) structure and patellar tendon (PT) structure in combat soldiers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-eight participants from an infantry commanders course were screened pre- and post-course for the AT and PT structures, using ultrasonographic tissue characterizaton (UTC) imaging to capture a 3D structure of four echo-type fibers (I-IV). RESULTS In both tendons, the mean relative frequency of echo-type I fibers significantly decreased from pre- to post-testing, with a significant increase in the relative frequency of echo-types II, III, and IV fibers. In the AT, 60.2% of the subjects showed positive differences (between pre- and post-testing in the echo-type III + IV fiber ("worsened" tendon structure), whereas in the PT, 92.2% of the subject showed an increased frequency. No significant correlation (r = 0.108; P = .324) was found between the differences of echo-type III + IV fibers of the AT and that of the PT. CONCLUSIONS Loads to the musculoskeletal structures along the combat course increased the mean relative frequency of the "reduced" echo-type fibers (III + IV) in both the AT structure and the PT structure. Yet, whereas in the AT around 40% of the soldiers showed an improved tendon structure along the course, in the PT less than 10% of the soldiers showed that improvement. Soldiers and commanders should be aware of the different influence of the loading exercises along the course on the AT and on the PT structure, as "reduced" tendons structure might put the soldiers at higher risk for injury in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Steinberg
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Shany Funk
- Combat Fitness Department, Doctrine and Research Branch, IDF, Military post #01443, Israel
| | - Shani Svorai-Band
- Military Medical Corps, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Military post #02149, Israel
| | - Nirit Yavnai
- Research Directorate, IDF Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Military post #02149, Israel
| | - Michal Pantanowitz
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Aviva Zeev
- Wingate College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wingate Institute, Netanya 42902, Israel
| | - Gali Dar
- Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of Social Welfare, Health Studies University of Haifa, 3498838, Israel
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