Endoscopic debridement for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy with and without platelet-rich plasma

Background:When non-operative management fails to improve symptoms in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy,surgery may be required.Various open and endoscopic techniques have been proposed,and platelet-rich plasma(PRP)injections have been proposed as an adjunct to aid tendon healing.Methods:Thirty-six patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to undergo endoscopic debridement alone(n=19)or in combination with intraoperative PRP application(n=17).Clinical outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale for pain,function,and satisfaction and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles(VISA-A)questionnaire.Patients were followed-up at 6 weeks,3months,6 months,and 12 months after surgery.An MRI examination at 3 and 12 months was used to assess signal alterations within the tendon.Results:Both groups showed significant clinical improvement(p<0.05)after surgery,with no difference between the 2 groups.Tendon diameter increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months.The tendinopathy area increased at 3 months and decreased at 12 months below baseline level in both groups.There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the MRI parameters.Nodular thickening and MRIdetected signal alteration persisted after surgery,with no association between imaging and clinical outcome.Five minor complications were reported:2 in the PRP group and 3 in the control group.Conclusion:Endoscopic debridement of the Achilles tendon improved clinical outcomes in patients with mid-portion tendinopathy.The addition of PRP did not improve outcomes compared to debridement alone.MRI parameters showed no association with clinical outcomes.

Achilles Tendoscopy for Non-Insertional Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a very common pathology, especially in the athletic population. Its etiology is multifactorial and the underlying pathophysiology is still not fully understood. For non-insertional tendinopathy is increasingly recognized the influence of paratendinopathy in the genesis of patients symptoms, so various surgical treatments have been accordingly developed;they are indicated when conservative treatment fails. The Achilles tendoscopy is one of these techniques, it has the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, resulting in a low complication rate and good functional results. In relation to this procedure we review the surgical technique, which is exemplified by the case of a high performance athlete treated satisfactorily.

Elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content in the Achilles tendon contribute to higher intratendinous pressures:Implications for Achilles tendinopathy

Background:Tendinopathy alters the compositional properties of the Achilles tendon by increasing fluid and glycosaminoglycan content.It has been speculated that these changes may affect intratendinous pressure,but the extent of this relationship remains unclear.Therefore,we aimed to investigate the impact of elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content on Achilles tendon intratendinous pressure and to determine whether hyaluronidase(HYAL) therapy can intervene in this potential relationship.Methods:Twenty paired fresh-frozen cadaveric Achilles tendons were mounted in a tensile-testing machine and loaded up to 5% strain.Intratendinous resting(at 0% strain) and dynamic pressure(at 5% strain) were assessed using the microcapillary infusion technique.First,intratendinous pressure was measured under native conditions before and after infusion of 2 mL physiological saline.Next,80 mg of glycosaminoglycans were administered bilaterally to the paired tendons.The right tendons were additionally treated with 1500 units of HYAL.Finally,both groups were retested,and the glycosaminoglycan content was analyzed.Results:It was found that both elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content resulted in higher intratendinous resting and dynamic pressures(p <0.001).HYAL treatment induced a 2.3-fold reduction in glycosaminoglycan content(p=0.002) and restored intratendinous pressures.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrated that elevated fluid and glycosaminoglycan content in Achilles tendinopathy contribute to increased intratendinous re sting and dynamic pressures,which can be explained by the associated increased volume and reduced permeability of the tendon matrix,respectively.HYAL degrades glycosaminoglycans sufficiently to lower intratendinous pressures and may,therefore,serve as a promising treatment.

Analysing the outcome of surgery for chronic Achilles tendinopathy over the last 50 years

AIM: To determine an association between when the study was performed, the robustness of the study and the outcomes for insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy surgery. METHODS: We performed a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to assess the methodology of studies investigating the outcome of surgery in chronic Achilles tendinopathy over the last 50 years to identify any trends that would account for the variable results. The Coleman Methodology Scores were correlated with the reported percentage success rates and with the publication year to determine any trends using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: We identified 62 studies published between 1964 and 2014 reporting on a total of 2923 surgically treated Achilles tendinopathies. The average followup time was 40 mo(range 5-204 mo), and the mean reported success rate was 83.5%(range 36%-100%). The Coleman Methodology Scores were highly reproducible(r = 0.99, P < 0.01), with a mean of 40.1(SD 18.9, range 2-79). We found a negative correlation between reported success rate and overall methodology scores(r =-0.40, P < 0.001), and a positive correlation between year of publication and overall methodology scores(r = 0.46, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that although the success rate of surgery for chronic Acilles tendinopathy described in the literature has fallen over the last 50 years, this is probably due to a more rigorous methodology of the studies.

Minimally invasive surgeries for insertional Achilles tendinopathy:A commentary review

Studies of minimally invasive surgery for insertional Achilles tendinopathy are limited.To establish this surgery,the following techniques must be minimally invasive:Exostosis resection at the Achilles tendon insertion,debridement of degenerated Achilles tendon,reattachment using anchors or augmentation using flexor hallucis longus(FHL)tendon transfer,and excision of the posterosuperior calcaneal prominence.Studies on these four perspectives were reviewed to establish minimally invasive surgery for insertional Achilles tendinopathy.Techniques for exostosis resection were demonstrated in one case study,where blunt dissection around the exostosis was performed,and the exostosis was resected using an abrasion burr under fluoroscopic guidance.Techniques for debridement of degenerated Achilles tendon were demonstrated in the same case study,where the space left after resection of the exostosis was used as an endoscopic working space,and the degenerated Achilles tendon and intra-tendinous calcification were debrided endoscopically.Achilles tendon reattachment techniques using suture anchors have been demonstrated in several studies.However,there are no studies on FHL tendon transfer techniques for Achilles tendon reattachment.In contrast,endoscopic posterosuperior calcaneal prominence resection is already established.Additionally,studies on ultrasound-guided surgeries and percutaneous dorsal wedge calcaneal osteotomy as minimally invasive surgery were reviewed.

Major physical but also psychological effects after pain relief from surgical scraping in patients with Achilles tendinopathy—A 1-year follow-up study

Treatment with Ultrasound (US) and Color Doppler (CD)-guided surgical scraping has shown good short-term clinical results in patients with chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy. The objective was to prospectively follow the patients 1-year after surgery. Material: Sixty- four tendons in 47 patients (28 men and 19 women, mean age 52 (+/-12 years) on different activity levels) were in local anaestesia operated with US+CD-guided surgical scraping. In 43/64 tendons, there was also removal of the plantaris tendon. Methods: Questionnaires evaluating activity level, VAS for pain during activity, satisfaction with treatment result, and the SF-36 score (quality of life), were used before and 1-year after surgery. Results: At follow-up, the mean VAS for pain during activity had decreased from 62 (+/-20) before surgery to 15 (+/-15) after surgery (p < 0.001). All patients were satisfied with the result and had returned to full tendon loading activity. There were no complications. Both the physical and psychological parameters in the SF-36 score had improved significantly. Conclusions: For patients with chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy, US+CD-guided surgical scraping, often combined with plantaris tendon removal, seems to be an efficient treatment method to recover physically and psychologically.

Ultrasound and Color Doppler-Guided Surgery for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy-Results of a Pilot Study

Background: Treatment of insertional achilles tendinopathy is known to be difficult. Eccentric calf muscle exercises and extracorporeal shockwave therapy have been proposed as the primary treatments for this condition, but surgery is indicated after failed conservative management. There is no consensus about the most efficient surgical treatment. Objectives: To evaluate a new ultrasound and color Doppler-guided surgical treatment for insertional achilles tendinopathy. Patients and methods: 24 consecutive patients (13 men and 11 women, mean age 47 years) with a long duration of insertional achilles tendon pain (median 18 months) were included in the study. The surgical procedure consisted of extirpation of the subcutaneous and retrocalcaneal bursa, scraping of the ventral distal achilles tendon and removal of prominent bone at the upper calcaneal tuberosity (Haglund’s deformity). In 13 patients, the plantaris tendon was also cut and excised. VAS for pain during activity, satisfaction with the treatment result and the SF-36 score to measure quality of life were used for evaluation. Results: The mean VAS had decreased from 72 before surgery to 19 after surgery (p 0.001), and 20/24 (83%) patients were satisfied with the result and had returned to full tendon loading activity at the one-year follow-up. The SF-36 score had improved significantly. Conclusion: Ultrasound and color Doppler-guided surgical treatment seems to be a good method for treatment of chronic painful insertional achilles tendinopathy. Longer follow-up studies on larger materials are needed.

Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendon disease

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma(PRP)in the treatment of patients with Achilles tendon rupture(ATR)and Achilles tendinopathy(AT)has been controversial.AIM To assess PRP injections’effectiveness in treating ATR and AT.METHODS A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted utilizing multiple databases such as Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Chinese Science and Technology Journal,EMBASE,and China Biomedical CD-ROM.The present investigation integrated randomized controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections in managing individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and tendinopathy.The eligibility criteria for the trials encompassed publications that were published within the timeframe of January 1,1966 to December 2022.The statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Review Manager 5.4.1,the visual analogue scale(VAS),Victorian Institute Ankle Function Scale(VISA-A),and Achilles Tendon Thickness were used to assess outcomes.RESULTS This meta-analysis included 13 randomized controlled trials,8 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for AT and 5 of which were randomized controlled trials of PRP for ATR.PRP for AT at 6 wk[weighted mean difference(WMD)=1.92,95%CI:-0.54 to 4.38,I2=34%],at 3 mo[WMD=0.20,95%CI:-2.65 to 3.05,I2=60%],and 6 mo[WMD=2.75,95%CI:-2.76 to 8.26,I2=87%)after which there was no significant difference in VISA-A scores between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the PRP group and the control group after 6 wk[WMD=6.75,95%CI:-6.12 to 19.62,I2=69%]and 6 mo[WMD=10.46,95%CI:-2.44 to 23.37,I2=69%]of treatment,and at mid-treatment at 3 mo[WMD=11.30,95%CI:7.33 to 15.27,I2=0%]after mid-treatment,the PRP group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group.Post-treatment patient satisfaction[WMD=1.07,95%CI:0.84 to 1.35,I2=0%],Achilles tendon thickness[WMD=0.34,95%CI:-0.04 to 0.71,I2=61%]and return to sport[WMD=1.11,95%CI:0.87 to 1.42,I2=0%]were not significantly different between the PRP and control groups.The study did not find any statistically significant distinction between the groups that received PRP treatment and those that did not,regarding the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles scores at 3 mo[WMD=-1.49,95%CI:-5.24 to 2.25,I2=0%],6 mo[WMD=-0.24,95%CI:-3.80 to 3.32,I2=0%],and 12 mo[WMD=-2.02,95%CI:-5.34 to 1.29,I2=87%]for ATR patients.Additionally,no significant difference was observed between the PRP and the control groups in improving Heel lift height respectively at 6 mo[WMD=-3.96,95%CI:-8.61 to 0.69,I2=0%]and 12 mo[WMD=-1.66,95%CI:-11.15 to 7.83,I2=0%]for ATR patients.There was no significant difference in calf circumference between the PRP group and the control group after 6 mo[WMD=1.01,95%CI:-0.78 to 2.80,I2=54%]and 12 mo[WMD=-0.55,95%CI:-2.2 to 1.09,I2=0%]of treatment.There was no significant difference in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups at 6 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.38,95%CI:-2.34 to 1.58,I2=82%]and after 12 mo of treatment[WMD=-0.98,95%CI:-1.41 to-0.56,I2=10%]there was a significant improvement in ankle mobility between the PRP and control groups.There was no significant difference in the rate of return to exercise after treatment[WMD=1.20,95%CI:0.77 to 1.87,I2=0%]and the rate of adverse events[WMD=0.85,95%CI:0.50 to 1.45,I2=0%]between the PRP group and the control group.CONCLUSION The use of PRP for AT improved the patient’s immediate VAS scores but not VISA-A scores,changes in Achilles tendon thickness,patient satisfaction,or return to sport.Treatment of ATR with PRP injections alone improved long-term ankle mobility but had no significant effect on VISA-A scores,single heel lift height,calf circumference or return to sport.Additional research employing more extensive sampling sizes,more strict experimental methods,and standard methodologies may be necessary to yield more dependable and precise findings.

Successful Painful Treatment of the Painful Achilles Was the Start for Research Providing New Knowledge about Tendon Pain and New Treatment Methods

Successful treatment with painful eccentric training for patients with chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinosis started research on pain mechanisms involving ultrasound + Doppler investigations and immunohistochemical analyses of tendon tissue specimens. This research has resulted in a better understanding of the pain mechanisms involved in the chronic painful Achilles and patellar tendon, and based on these findings new non tendon-invasive treatment methods beneficial for the patients have been invented. This is a mini review showing the background and research that resulted in the highly successful mini surgical treatments for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy and proximal patellar tendinopathy.

Central tendon splitting combined with SutureBridge double-row technique as a surgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy

Background Surgical treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy should be considered when a variety of conservative measures fail. To achieve a satisfactory outcome, thorough debridement of the Achilles tendon is critical, besides excision of the bursitis and the calcaneal exostosis. Central tendon-splitting provides straightforward access to the calcified or degenerative tissue within the Achilles tendon. For Achilles tendon reconstruction if detachment is present, several surgical techniques have been reported. Controversy surrounds the technique can provide maximum security for reattachment of the Achilles tendon. The SutureBrid^e double-row construct, initially used in rotator cuff repair, is Drobablv a aood choice.

Implications of obesity in patients with foot and ankle pathology

Obesity is a growing problem defined as a body mass index of greater than 30 kg/m2.It is predicted that by 2030,48.9%of adults will be classified as obese which expands surgical risk factors to a broad population while increasing healthcare costs at the same time in different socioeconomic groups.This specific population has been widely studied in multiple surgical fields and published studies have shown the implications in each of these fields.The impact of obesity on orthopedic surgical outcomes has been previously reported in several total hip and knee arthroscopy studies,with evidence indicating that obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of post operative complications together with higher revision rates.In line with increasing interest on the impact of obesity in orthopedics,there has been a similar output of publications in the foot and ankle literature.This review article evaluates several foot and ankle pathologies,their risk factors associated with obesity and subsequent management.It provides an updated,comprehensive analysis of the effects of obesity on foot and ankle surgical outcomes,with the ultimate aim of educating both surgeons and allied health professionals about the risks,benefits,and modifiable factors of operating on obese patients.

Manifestation of Pathological States of Numerous Diseases in the Largest Organ of the Human Body: (I) Basics and the Diseases of Tendon

We analyze the crucial biochemical and biophysical properties of the basic constituents—connective tissues (CT), and interstitial fluid (IF) constituting the non-cellular part of the fascia. We provide ample evidence that the resident cells and cells in transit in the fascia are continuously interacting with the non-cellular constituents to form an active organ with well-defined functions. We show evidence that pathological states of diseases of internal organs, as well as that of the constituents of the fascia itself, manifest in certain CTIF domains of the fascia. Numerous diseases originate from imbalance of the digestion and synthesis of the native collagen triple helices. Review on the scanning electron microscopy examination of cross-section of tendons indicates that micro-fibrils of collagen I form regular geometrical structures, supporting the hypothesis that the collagen fibrils assemble like liquid crystals. Information on the age of Achilles tendons has been reported, based on dating of the 14C atoms generated from the nuclear bomb tests in 1955-1963. The causes of spontaneous tendon rupture and tendinopathy are analyzed. Plausible clinical measures to treat tendinopathy are briefly discussed, including the application of synthetic mechano-growth factor, glyceryl trinitrate patch (to supply nitric oxide), platelet rich plasma, proteomic profile analysis and microRNA 29a therapy.

Prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy in physical exercise:A systematic review and meta-analysis

This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy(AT)in physical exercise(PE).Specifically,we estimate the overall risk of AT in physical exercise and compare sportspecific estimates of AT risk.PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,and SPORTDiscus were searched before the 1st of October 2021.Random-effects,subgroup analysis,sensitivity analysis and meta-regressions were conducted,involving 16 publications.This meta-analysis found that the overall prevalence of AT was 0.06(95%CI,0.04–0.07).The prevalence of Achilles tendon rupture was 0.03(95%CI,0.02–0.05).Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of AT increased with age,the highest among the group aged over 45(0.08;95%CI,0.04–0.11),and the lowest among the group under 18 years old(0.02;95%CI,0.01–0.03).The gymnastics and ball games had the highest prevalence of AT,at(0.17;95%CI,0.14–0.20)and(0.06;95%CI,0.02–0.11),respectively.The prevalence of AT in athletes(0.06;95%CI,0.04–0.08)was higher than that of amateur exercisers(0.04;95%CI,0.02–0.06)and there was no difference in the prevalence of AT between males and females.There are differences in the prevalence of AT in different ages,sport events and characteristics of participants.This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that it was necessary to pay more attention to AT in people who were older or engaged in gymnastics.