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Medicine (Baltimore) 2019 Apr;98(16):e15278

Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Tangshan, Tangshan City Hebei Province, PR China.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as an alternative therapy to reduce pain and improve functional restoration in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). We evaluated the current evidence for the efficacy of PRP as a treatment for chronic AT.

Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of PRP with that of with placebo injections plus eccentric training as treatment for AT. Read More

Foot Ankle Int 2019 Apr 22:1071100719845016. Epub 2019 Apr 22.

1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.

Background: The extent of tendinosis along the entire tendon in Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) has not previously been assessed. MR images of acute ATRs were evaluated to assess this extent, even in areas distant from the rupture.

Methods: Patients who had MR images for an ATR were reviewed. Read More

J Sci Med Sport 2019 Apr 5. Epub 2019 Apr 5.

Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA.

Objectives: Although expected, tendon adaptations in adolescent elite athletes have been underreported. Morphologically, adaptations may occur by an increase in collagen fiber density and/or organization. These characteristics can be captured using spatial frequency parameters extracted from ultrasound images. Read More

Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019 Apr 8. Epub 2019 Apr 8.

Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Canada.

Background: Tendinopathies are painful overuse injuries observed in athletes participating in jumping sports. These injuries are heavily dependent on the resulting strain from the applied mechanical load. Therefore, mechanisms to reduce tendon strain may represent a primary prevention strategy to reduce the incidence of tendinopathy. Read More

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2019 Jan;109(1):1-8

Background: Achilles insertional tendon pathology is a common condition affecting a broad range of patients. When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, the traditional open resection, debridement, and reattachment of the Achilles tendon is a variably reliable procedure with significant risk of morbidity. Fasciotomy and surgical tenotomy using ultrasound-guided percutaneous microresection is used on various tendons in the body, but the efficacy has not been examined specifically for the Achilles tendon. Read More

Ann Transl Med 2019 Feb;7(4):70

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA.

Soft tissue dysfunction can result from the degeneration of tissues as in the case of degenerative tendinopathy or from the build-up of problematic scar tissue, which can be the result of several aggravating factors, including overuse injuries, acute or chronic trauma, or as a result of surgery. This dysfunction often results in impaired movement, pain, and swelling of the affected area, which can lead to patient dissatisfaction and a lower quality of life. These soft tissue dysfunctions also have a marked economic impact. Read More

J Foot Ankle Res 2019 21;12:20. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

1Discipline of Podiatry, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086 Australia.

Background: Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition characterised by degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which causes pain and disability. Multiple non-surgical treatments have been advocated for this condition including calf muscle eccentric exercise and in-shoe heel lifts. Although adherence is challenging, there is evidence to suggest that calf muscle eccentric exercise is effective in decreasing pain and improving function in people with Achilles tendinopathy. Read More

Orthopade 2019 Apr 1. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

Department of Hand-foot and Microsurgery 2, The 2nd affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, No. 1 Yingfang Street, 010030, Hyumin District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.

Background: The Achilles tendon is the coarsest tendon in the body. Achilles tendonitis is relatively common and its incidence is increasing.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for treating Achilles tendonitis. Read More

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2019 Apr 1. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Purpose: Changes in tendon structure are commonly seen in patients with unilateral achilles (AT) or patellar (PT) tendinopathy but might also be present on the asymptomatic side, indicating a higher risk for developing symptoms. The aim of this study is to compare tendon structure of the symptomatic side with the asymptomatic side in AT and PT patients and control subjects.

Methods: A total of 46 patients with unilateral AT (16 insertional and 30 midportion) and 38 with unilateral PT were included. Read More

J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2019 May;59(5):839-845

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia -

Plantaris muscle (lat. musculus plantaris) is a fusiform muscle of the superficial posterior leg compartment, characterized with a small muscle belly and very long and slender tendon. Many anatomical variations of plantaris muscle have been reported previously, including its inconstancy. Read More

Sci Rep 2019 Apr 1;9(1):5399. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

W.H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.

Degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) during tendinopathy is, in part, mediated by the collagenolytic cathepsin K (catK) and cathepsin L (catL), with a temporal component to their activity. The objective of this study was to determine how catK and catL act in concert or in conflict to degrade collagen and tendon ECM during tissue degeneration. To do so, type I collagen gels or ECM extracted from apolipoprotein E deficient mouse Achilles tendons were incubated with catK and catL either concurrently or sequentially, incubating catK first, then catL after a delayed time period. Read More

FASEB J 2019 Mar 27:fj201900196R. Epub 2019 Mar 27.

Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Orthopaedic Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.

Resolution of inflammation is poorly understood in Achilles tendon disorders. Herein, we investigated the bioactive lipid mediator profiles of tendon-derived stromal cells isolated from patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) or Achilles rupture (AR) under baseline and IL-1β-stimulated conditions. We also determined whether incubating these cells with 2 of the mediators produced by tendon-derived stromal cells, 15-epi-LipoxinA (15-epi-LXA) or maresin (MaR)-1, moderated their proinflammatory phenotype. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2019 Mar 21;7(3):2325967119834284. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

The Research Centre of Movement Science, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.

Background: Eccentric exercises are the only conservative treatment that has shown good clinical results in studies of Achilles tendinopathy (AT), but success rates vary, indicating the need for alternative treatments. Soft tissue treatments are widely used for AT, but strong scientific evidence is lacking to support those treatments.

Purpose/hypotheses: This study aimed to determine whether pressure massage to the calf muscles is a useful treatment for AT and to compare this treatment versus an eccentric exercise protocol. Read More

Cureus 2018 Dec 27;10(12):e3783. Epub 2018 Dec 27.

Dermatology, San Diego Family Dermatology, San Diego, USA.

Tendon disorders include tenosynovitis or tendonitis, tendinosis, and tendon rupture. Tendinopathy associated with drug administration has been associated with the systemic or local administration of several medications. A 90-year-old man who developed toxic tendinopathy after receiving cephalexin 500 mg twice daily has been described. Read More

J Foot Ankle Surg 2019 Mar 23. Epub 2019 Mar 23.

Consultant, Sport & Exercise Medicine, Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom; Senior Clinical Academic Fellow, School for Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom; Consultant, Sport & Exercise Medicine, National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine-East Midlands, Loughborough, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Achilles tendinopathy, both insertional and noninsertional, is a common cause of posterior ankle pain. Although the condition of most patients improves with simple conservative measures, a proportion will go on develop chronic symptoms. This study examines the outcomes of patients following extracorporeal shock wave therapy plus a home exercise program. Read More

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Orthopädische Gemeinschaftspraxis Schützenmatt, Schützenmattstrasse 41, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.

Purpose: Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of malfunction and pain, which can lead to a significant reduction of the quality of life. The hypothesis of this study argues that autologous conditioned serum (i.e. Read More

Phys Ther Sport 2019 Mar 9;37:69-76. Epub 2019 Mar 9.

Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom.

Objectives: Determine how the strength and endurance of the plantar flexors are affected by Achilles tendinopathy and whether one muscle is more affected than another.

Design: Case control study.

Setting: University Laboratory. Read More

Atheroscler Suppl 2019 Mar 29;36:6-11. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Children's Hospital, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Lithuania.

Background And Aims: Achilles tendon lesions have long been associated with genetic defects in lipid metabolism and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With this study we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of Achilles tendon ultrasonography in identifying people at greater risk among subjects with severe hypercholesterolemia (SH) in a high-risk population.

Methods: During the period of 2016-2017 a total of 213 participants were enrolled in this case-control study. Read More

Arthritis Res Ther 2019 Mar 13;21(1):74. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Headington, OX3 7LD, UK.

Background: Tendon disease is a significant global healthcare burden whereby patients experience pain and disability; however, the mechanisms that underlie inflammation and pain are poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the role of prostaglandins as important mediators of inflammation and pain in tissues and cells derived from patients with tendinopathy.

Methods: We studied supraspinatus and Achilles tendon biopsies from symptomatic patients with tendinopathy or rupture. Read More

Med Princ Pract 2019 Mar 13. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Objective: The therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is controversial. Among the variables which can explain the discrepant results, little attention has been paid to the distribution of platelet-rich plasma inside the tendon. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether this factor is related to the clinical outcome of treatment. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2019 Mar 12:1-30. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

3 Centre for Health, Sport & Rehabilitation Sciences Research, University of Salford, manchester, United Kingdom.

Context:: Exercise is seen as the most evidence based treatment for managing tendinopathy and although the type of exercise used to manage tendinopathy may induce adaptation in healthy tendons, it is not clear whether these adaptations occur in tendinopathy and if so whether they are associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Objective:: The aim of the study was to synthesise available evidence for adaptation of the Achilles tendon to eccentric exercise and the relationship between adaptation (change in tendon thickness) and clinical outcomes among people with Achilles tendinopathy.

Evidence Acquisition:: The search was performed in September 2018 in several databases. Read More

Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord 2019 5;12:1179544119835222. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Madrid, Spain.

Since the introduction of Fluoroquinolones (FQ) in 1960s, these antibiotics have been used in airway and urinary tract infections, due to absorption, biodisponibility, posology and long half-life time properties. However, several reports state that FQ can cause tendinopathy and rupture. These adverse effects can occur within hours after initial treatment to up to 6 months after withdrawal. Read More

ScientificWorldJournal 2019 3;2019:6043019. Epub 2019 Feb 3.

University of Vale do Paraíba, Department of Dentistry, Subjects of Bucomaxilofacial Surgery, Traumatology, and Stomatology, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil.

The objective of this review was to analyze original articles about the effects of therapy with LED in experimental models of calcaneal tendon lesions of rats. The search was performed in the period from February to May 2018, in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, SciELO, and LILACS, besides the Google Scholar, using the descriptors "Achilles tendon", "Rats", "LED", "Tendinopathy", and "Low-level Light Therapy", as well as their matching parts in the Portuguese and Spanish languages, related to and in association with the relevant terms to the content sought. From the descriptors used 215 works were found. Read More

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2019 Mar 7. Epub 2019 Mar 7.

Fortius Clinic, London, England, UK.

Purpose: Open plantaris tendon excision and ventral paratendinous stripping is a recognised treatment option in selected patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive outpatient technique of ultrasound guided plantaris tendon release (UPTR).

Methods: A 19 gauge needle, 15 gauge scalpel blade, hook knife (Smith and Nephew, Boston, MA, USA) and a beaver blade (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), were used under ultrasound guidance to identify and divide the plantaris tendon in 12 cadaveric legs. Read More

Phys Ther Sport 2019 Feb 27;37:44-48. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare and quantify with ultrasound imaging (USI) the extensor digitorum longus (EDL), tibialis anterior (TA) and peroneus muscles (PER) muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) between chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and healthy subjects.

Methods: a sample of 143 individuals was recruited and divided in two groups: chronic non-insertional AT group (n = 71) and a healthy group (n = 72). The thickness and CSA were assessment by USI for EDL, TA and PER muscles in both groups. Read More

J Cell Physiol 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.

Clinical studies have indicated that increased serum cholesterol levels raised the risk of tendinopathy in hypercholesterolemia, but the effect of cholesterol on tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) and its underlying mechanism have not been studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between cholesterol and tendinopathy in vitro and in vivo, and its underlying molecular mechanism as well. In TDSCs, the effect of cholesterol was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. Read More

Br Med Bull 2019 Feb 27. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.

Introduction: The present systematic review investigates the biological and chemical mechanisms that affect the health and structure of tendons following the use of fluoroquinolones (FQs).

Sources Of Data: A total of 12 articles were included, organized, and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Areas Of Agreement: Five mechanisms were identified: arrest of proliferation through a decreased activity of cyclin B, CDK-1, CHK-1, and increased PK-1; decrease tenocytes migration through decreased phosphorylation of FAK; decrease type I collagen metabolism through increased MMP-2; chelate effect on ions that influence epigenetics and several enzymes; fluoroquinolones-induced ROS (radical oxygen species) production in mitochondria. Read More

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl 2019 Jan-Feb;30(1):68-82

Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology Unit, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD); including renal osteodystrophy, and biochemical changes reflecting mineral and hormonal abnormalities. CKD-MBD can lead to serious musculoskeletal manifestations with an impact on the functional status of patients. The objective is to find the frequency of the musculoskeletal manifestations in dialysis patients, to determine the impact on the functional ability of patients, and to detect the relation between parathyroid hormone (PTH) level and musculoskeletal manifestations. Read More

J Foot Ankle Surg 2019 Feb 22. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

Assistant Professor and Chief, Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address:

The foot and ankle surgery literature lacks an analysis of studies published in general medical journals. Studies published in general medical journals have high visibility and significant impact on decision making by medical practitioners and health care policy makers. Knowledge of the subject matter and methodologic characteristics of foot and ankle publications being read by general medical practitioners and the lay public is important to the practicing foot and ankle surgeon. Read More

Int Immunopharmacol 2019 May 22;70:117-124. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, China. Electronic address:

Magnolol is a compound that is extracted from magnolia, is used in Chinese medicine and is a type of lignan. Magnolol has various anti-inflammation, anti-proliferation and pro-autophagy effects. Ossified tendinopathy affects many athletes and people with repetitive tendon injuries. Read More

Int Wound J 2019 Apr 20;16(2):542-549. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain.

Tendinopathy is a very common disease in the general population as well as in athletes. The aim of the present study was to examine the tendon thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) in subjects with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT) who engaged in either an eccentric exercise (EE) programme with vibration training or an EE programme combined with cryotherapy. A sample of 61 patients with chronic mid-portion AT were recruited and divided into two groups: EE programme vibration training (n = 30) and EE programme combined with cryotherapy (n = 31). Read More

J Sports Sci Med 2019 Mar 11;18(1):21-31. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

Centre for Pain Research, School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, UK.

Running is associated with a higher risk of overuse injury than other forms of aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming and cycling. An accurate description of the proportion of running injuries per anatomical location and where possible, per specific pathology, for both genders is required. The aim of this review was to determine the proportion of lower limb running injuries by anatomical location and by specific pathology in male and female runners (≥800m - ≤ marathon). Read More

PLoS One 2019 20;14(2):e0211863. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.

Objectives: The objective of the current cross-sectional study was to examine Achilles tendon transverse stiffness in a group of recreational runners with Achilles tendinopathy, in comparison to an asymptomatic group of runners with similar training history. We also aimed to determine the between-week intra-individual reliability of this measurement technique.

Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2019 Feb 12:1-28. Epub 2019 Feb 12.

1 Department of Physical Therapy, Franklin Pierce University Goodyear, AZ.

Context:: Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) has been correlated with decreased flexibility of the gastrocnemius/soleus (GS) complex. Decreased ankle DF ROM can lead to an increase in lower extremity injuries, e.g. Read More

Orthopade 2019 Mar;48(3):261-280

Klinik für Orthopädische Chirurgie und Traumatologie des Bewegungsapparats, Sektion Fuß- und Sprunggelenkchirurgie, Kantonspital St. Gallen, Rorschacher Str. 95, 9007, St. Gallen, Schweiz.

"Heel pain" describes a very common reason for foot orthopedic consultation and the further differential diagnostic investigation is crucial for the choice of correct treatment. In the treatment of frequent underlying diseases, such as plantar fasciitis or insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon, a variety of modern strategies are available. Rarer diseases, such as tumors or nerve entrapment syndromes must be delineated and correctly classified. Read More

Surg Technol Int 2019 Feb 11;34. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

This paper presents two patients who sustained spontaneous closed Achilles tendon ruptures following minimally invasive ultrasonic energy therapy for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. In both cases, the patients underwent minimally invasive ultrasonic energy therapy using a commercially available device. In addition, the current evidence, through available literature, has been reviewed and presented. Read More

Ultrasound Med Biol 2019 May 8;45(5):1316-1323. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, "OO.RR Hospital", University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been found to have a positive effect in the treatment of pain in Achilles tendinopathy, although the exact mechanism is not yet completely understood. Among the mechanisms suggested to underlie ESWT effects are direct stimulation of healing, neovascularization and direct suppressive effects on nociceptors and hyperstimulation, which would block the gate-control system. The neovascularization observed in flogistic tissue is associated with stimulated nerve fibers around tendons and induces a painful condition. Read More

Orthop J Sports Med 2019 Jan 14;7(1):2325967118821604. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.

Background: Chronic overload injuries to tendons can be visualized using ultrasonography, with characteristics such as tendon thickening and darkening.

Purpose: To investigate whether these characteristics are evident in the patellar and Achilles tendons immediately after 1 session of high-intensity resistance training.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Read More

SAGE Open Med 2019 30;7:2050312118822642. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

Background: Treatment with ultrasound and colour Doppler-guided minimally invasive Achilles tendon scraping and plantaris tendon removal has shown promising short-term results in patients with chronic painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy.

Methods: In a follow-up study, 182 consecutive patients (241 tendons) who had undergone Achilles tendon scraping and plantaris tendon removal were contacted on telephone by an independent investigator. The patients who answered the telephone call were included, and they answered a questionnaire on telephone and then also sent their written answers. Read More

Br J Sports Med 2019 Feb 4. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: Achilles tendinopathy is a common problem, but its exact aetiology remains unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the association between potential clinical risk factors and Achilles tendinopathy.

Design: Systematic review. Read More

Phys Ther Sport 2019 Mar 28;36:110-115. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.

Objectives: To determine normal temperatures over the Achilles tendon over nine weeks.

Design: A prospective cohort study with nine weeks of observation.

Setting: University's Human Biomechanics and Physiology Laboratory. Read More

Foot Ankle Spec 2019 Feb 2:1938640019826673. Epub 2019 Feb 2.

UNIFESP-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Background: The usual initial treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy is nonsurgical. Yet there is no standard conservative treatment for Achilles insertional tendinopathy. Shockwave therapy (SWT) has become a reliable option for the management of this illness over the past years. Read More

J Musculoskelet Disord Treat 2018 21;4(2). Epub 2018 May 21.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, USA.

Background: The attempted healing of tendon after acute injury (overloading, partial tear or complete rupture) proceeds via the normal wound healing cascade involving hemostasis, inflammation, matrix synthesis and matrix remodeling. Depending on the degree of trauma and the nature of the post-injury milieu, a variable degree of healing and recovery of function occurs. Post-injury analgesia is often achieved with NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, however there is increasing evidence that NSAID usage may interfere with the healing process. Read More

Gait Posture 2019 Jan 11;69:13-24. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, The Netherlands.

Introduction: Abnormal kinematics have been implicated as one of the major risk factors for lower limb tendinopathy (LLT).

Objective: To systematically review evidence for kinematic risk factors for LLT in runners.

Methods: Individual electronic searches in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were conducted. Read More

Br J Sports Med 2019 Jan 13. Epub 2019 Jan 13.

School of Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of heavy eccentric calf training (HECT) in comparison with natural history, traditional physiotherapy, sham interventions or other exercise interventions for improvements in pain and function in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.

Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted as per the PRISMA guidelines.

Data Sources: PUBMED, CINAHL (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCO) were searched from inception until 24 September 2018. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2019 Jan 7;12(1). Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome was first described as chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. Because of its rarity, a thorough description of its clinical manifestations is lacking. Herein, we describe the clinical manifestations and imaging features, especially the enthesopathy in bilateral Achilles tendons, of a middle-aged Asian woman with SAPHO syndrome, who improved after diclofenac treatment. Read More

J Foot Ankle Surg 2019 Mar 3;58(2):236-242. Epub 2019 Jan 3.

Director of Residency Training, Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, West Penn Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA. Electronic address:

Calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy (CIAT) is a relatively common musculoskeletal entity that results in significant pain and disability, as well as posterior muscle group weakness. There is a lack of evidence criteria to support the timing of operative intervention, choice of procedures, or whether equinus requires treatment. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review 45 patients (48 feet) who have undergone surgical management of CIAT with concomitant posterior muscle group weakness with the single heel rise testing. Read More

Nutrients 2019 Jan 2;11(1). Epub 2019 Jan 2.

Department of Sport Medicine, Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier St, Bruce ACT 2617, Australia.

The current pilot study investigates whether oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides improves symptoms and tendon vascularisation in patients with chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy in combination with structured exercise. Participants were given a placebo or specific collagen peptides (TENDOFORTE) in combination with a bi-daily calf-strengthening program for 6 months. Group AB received specific collagen peptides for the first 3 months before crossing over to placebo. Read More

Sports Health 2019 Mar/Apr;11(2):157-162. Epub 2019 Jan 2.

Clínica MEDS, Santiago, Chile.

Background:: Tendon overuse injuries are an issue in elite footballers (soccer players) and may affect tendon function. Achilles and patellar tendinopathy are the most frequent pathologies. Tendon stiffness, the relationship between the force applied to a tendon and the displacement exerted, may help represent tendon function. Read More