Comparison of the sonographic features of the Achilles Tendon complex in patients with and without achilles tendinopathy: A case-control study. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Romero-Morales, Carlos; Martín-Llantino, Pedro Javier; Calvo-Lobo, César; Palomo-López, Patricia; López-López, Daniel; Pareja-Galeano, Helios; Rodríguez-Sanz, David
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 35(2019)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Ultrasonography -- Achilles tendon -- Diagnostic -- Imaging -- Tendinopathy; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and quantify with ultrasound imaging (USI) the Achilles tendon thickness, cross-sectional area (CSA), Kager's fat pad length and gastrocnemius-soleus pennation angle (PA) between chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and healthy subjects. Methods: A total sample of 143 individuals (age: 41.3 ± 12.0 y; height: 1.74 ± 0.0 m; weight: 75.0 ± 11.4 kg; body mass index, BMI: 24.4 ± 2.6 kg/m 2 ) was recruited and divided in two groups: chronic mid-portion AT group (n = 71) and a healthy group (n = 72). Results: The thickness and CSA at 4 cm and 6 cm from the calcaneus was increased showing statistically significant differences ( P < .01) in favor the tendinopathy group. For the gastrocnemius-soleus PA and Kager's fat pad length, significant differences ( P < .01) were observed for a decrease in favor of the tendinopathy group. Conclusions: This study reported an increase of Achilles tendon thickness and CSA at 4 cm and 6 cm from the calcaneus as well as a decrease in gastrocnemius-soleus PA and Kager's fat pad length in patients with chronic mid-portion AT. Highlights: We evaluated and quantified with ultrasound imaging the Achilles tendon thickness (ATT). ATT decrease in gastrocnemius-soleus PA and Kager's fat pad length showed in patients with chronic mid-portion ATT. Preventive care in athletes are very important to improve foot and general health.