Introduction. The COL5A1 gene encodes for the α1 chain of type V collagen, a minor fibrillar collagen that is an important regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis. Several polymorphisms, including rs12722 (C/T), within the 3′-UTR of COL5A1 are associated with chronic Achilles tendinopathy and other musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries as well as exercise-related phenotypes. It is hypothesised that polymorphisms within the 3′-UTR regulate the amount of the α1(V) chain synthesised and type V collagen production. This in turn influencing the mechanical properties of tendons and other musculoskeletal soft tissues. In our laboratories, two major functional forms, namely the T- and C-allelic forms of the COL5A1 3′-UTR, were identified and associated predominately with severe chronic Achilles tendinopathy and healthy asymptomatic control individuals, respectively. Materials and Methods. To further investigate the functional differences between the two major 3′-UTR functional forms as well as to start mapping the regions which are responsible for the tendinopathic phenotype, skin biopsies from donors having a known genotype at rs12722 and primary fibroblast cell lines were established in order to quantify COL5A1 and COL1A1 expression levels in a pilot study. Lastly, in preliminary RNA EMSAs, biotinylated C- and T-allelic RNA probes for a specific 57bp functional region within the 3′-UTR were incubated with either fibroblast nuclear or cytoplasmic protein extracts to investigate putative distinguishing RNA:RBP complex formation. Results. An overall higher relative mRNA expression of both COL5A1 (p<0.001) and COL1A1 (p=0.0015) were observed in primary skin fibroblasts from donors having a rs12722 TT genotype compared to donors with a CC genotype. A unique RNA:RBP complex was also identified with the C-allelic probe. Discussion. These novel results have important implications for our understanding of the proposed role of type V collagen in the aetiology of tendon and other musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries, as well as, other exercise-related phenotypes

Introduction. Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury. There are several modalities of treatment, reflecting difficulties in its management. In particular, due to the well-recognised morbidity associated with surgical decompression, treatment has steered towards a less invasive route. Dry needling has been efficacious in managing other tendinopathies. This study therefore assessed dry needling and percutaneous hydrostatic decompression of the Achilles tendon as a novel treatment for this condition. Methods. Twenty-two patients with 27 sonographically-confirmed chronic Achilles tendinopathy were prospectively enrolled. All were symptomatic for >6 months and have failed alternative conservative treatments. Ultrasound-guided dry needling of neovascular areas and paratenon hydrostatic decompression was performed by a dedicated musculoskeletal radiologist on a 6-weekly basis until symptomatic resolution or no improvement was evident. Sonographic assessment of the tendon's thickness and neovascularity was undertaken. Following treatment, a standardized physiotherapy regime was adopted. At baseline and 6 weeks post-final procedure, visual analogue scores (VAS) at rest and during activity were obtained. Telephonic interviews were carried out 12 and 24 months post-treatment. Results. 24 tendons (in 19 patients) were successfully treated - 1 patient had spontaneous symptomatic resolution and 2 progressed to surgical intervention. The mean number of treatment sessions was 2. There was no significant change in neovascularity or tendon thickness after treatment. Therapeutic intervention led to a significant improvement in VAS at rest (42 v 18.4, p=0.0005) and during activity (74 v 33.7, p< 0.0001). At 12 months, 77% of patients were >80% satisfied with their outcome of the procedure, with 85% of patients able to return to their sporting interests. At 24 months, 90% of patients were >80% satisfied with their outcome, with nearly half having complete symptomatic resolution. Conclusion. Dry needling and percutaneous paratenon decompression under ultrasound guidance shows promise as an alternative treatment for this chronic condition

Objective: To report the outcome of surgery for chronic recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy in sedentary and athletic subjects. Design: Case control study. Participants: We matched each of the 61 non-athletic patients with a diagnosis of tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon with an athletic patient with tendinopathy of the main body of the Achilles tendon of the same sex who was within two years of age at the time of operation. A match according was possible for 56 patients (23 males and 33 females). 48 sedentary subjects and 45 athletic subjects agreed to participate. Main Outcome Measure: Outcome of surgery, return to sport, complication rate. Results: Non-athletic patients were shorter and heavier than athletic patients. They had greater BMI, calf circumference, side-to-side calf circumference differences, and subcutaneous body fat than athletic patients. Of the 48 sedentary patients, only 25 reported an excellent or good result. Of these, three had undergone a further exploration of the Achilles tendon. The remaining patients could not return to their normal levels of activity. In all of them, pain significantly interfered with daily activities. Conclusions: Non-athletic subjects experience more prolonged recovery, more complications, and a greater risk of further surgery than athletic subjects with recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy. Key words: Achilles tendinopathy, surgery

We conducted a randomised controlled trial to determine whether active intense pulsed light (IPL) is an effective treatment for patients with chronic mid-body Achilles tendinopathy. A total of 47 patients were randomly assigned to three weekly therapeutic or placebo IPL treatments. The primary outcome measure was the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) score. Secondary outcomes were a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Outcomes were recorded at baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks following treatment. Ultrasound assessment of the thickness of the tendon and neovascularisation were also recorded before and after treatment. . There was no significant difference between the groups for any of the outcome scores or ultrasound measurements by 12 weeks, showing no measurable benefit from treatment with IPL in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:504–9

Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is characterised by sub-acute inflammation with pro-inflammatory type 1 macrophages (M1), tissue degeneration and consequent partial or total tendon injury. Control of the inflammatory response and M1-to-M2 macrophage polarisation can favour tendon healing both directly and indirectly, by allowing for the regenerative process driven by local mesenchymal stem cells. Ten patients (3 females and 7 males aged between 32 and 71 years old) with partial Achilles tendon injury were treated with injections of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MNCs). The cell concentrate was obtained from 100-120 cc of each patient's blood with a selective point-of-care filtration system. PB-MNCs remained trapped in the filter and were injected immediately after sampling. Around 60% of the PB-MNC concentrate was injected directly into the injured area, while the remaining 40% was injected in smaller amounts into the surrounding parts of the Achilles tendon affected by tendinosis. All patients were evaluated both clinically with the help of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, and radiologically (MRI examination) at baseline and 2 months after the PB-MNC injection. A clinical reassessment with the AOFAS scale was also performed 6 months after the intervention. The rehabilitation protocol implied full weight-bearing walking immediately after the procedure, light physical activity 3-4 days after the injection, and physiotherapist-assisted stretching exercises and eccentric training. In all patients, functional and radiological signs of tendon healing processes were detected as early as 2 months after a single treatment and the AOFAS scale rose from the initial mean value of 37.5 (baseline) to 85.4 (6 months). Our preliminary results indicate that regenerative therapies with PB-MNCs can prove useful for partial Achilles tendon injuries as a valid alternative to surgical options, especially when other conservative approaches have failed. Advantages of this therapy include rapid execution, no need for an operating theatre, easy reproducibility, quick recovery and good tolerability regardless of the patient's age (the procedure is not to be performed in subjects who are below 18 years old). Further studies on the topic are recommended to confirm these observations

Purpose of the study: We reviewed a series of 52 cases of chronic Achilles tendinopathy treated surgically by release of the fascia cruris, resection of peritendon, longitudinal incision of the tendon and occasional excision of intratendinous lesions. Materials and methods: The mean course prior to surgery was about 18 months. Twenty-six patients practiced sports. Complaints were bilateral in 12 cases. Pain was always present. Ultrasound exploration evidenced paratendinitis (n = 21), tendinosis (n = 22) and paratendinitis with tendinosis (n = 9) (Puddu classification). Patients were reviewed after a minimal 2-year follow-up. Results were assessed on the basis of clinical findings. Results: Mean follow-up was 5 years 6 months. Twenty-nine patients were free of pain. The range of motion was normal in 48 cases and 29 patients resumed sports activities at the same level as prior to surgery. Outcome was very good in 29 patients, good in 14 average in 6 and poor in 3. Discussion: Stiffness of the tibio-tarsal joint can be avoided by proper mobilization. Outcome appears to be better in middle-aged patients. Poor outcome is closely related to amyotrphy. The presence of a foot deformity does not appear to have an unfavorable influence on outcome. The Achilles tendon must not be infiltrated. Ultrasound is highly contributive, but MRI provides a more accurate analysis. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathies can be proposed when conservative treatment has been unsuccessful. Outcome is better in young active patients and in cases where paratendinitis predominates

Summary Statement. ASTM therapy is commonly used to treat Achilles tendinopaty. However, there was no report to evaluate the biomechanical effects, especially the dynamic viscoelasticity. We have shown that ASTM treatment was biomechanically useful for chronic Achilles tendinopathy in an animal model. Introduction. Achilles tendinopathy is a common chronic overuse injury. Because Achilles tendon overuse injury takes place in sports and there has been a general increase in the popularity of sports activities, the number and incidence of Achilles tendon overuse injury has increased. Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM) therapy is a modification of traditional soft tissue mobilization and has been used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. ASTM therapy is thought to promote collagen fiber realignment and hasten tendon repair. It might also change the biomechanical behavior of the injured tendon, especially the dynamic viscoelasticity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ASTM therapy in a rabbit model of Achilles tendinopathy by quantifying dynamic biomechanical properties and histologic features. Patients & Methods. The hind limbs of 12 rabbits were used, and 24 Achilles tendons were injected with collagenase to produce tendon injury. One hind limb of each animal was then randomly allocated to receive ASTM therapy, while the other received no treatment and served as a control. ASTM was performed on the Achilles tendon for 3 minutes on postoperative days 21, 24, 28, 31, 35, and 38. The Achilles tendons were harvested 10 days after the last treatment. Specimens were examined with dynamic viscoelasticity and light microscopy. Results. The mean±SD cross-sectional area for the treated and untreated tendons was 12.30±5.47 mm. 2. and 9.57±8.36 mm. 2. , respectively. The difference between the treated and untreated tendons was statistically significant (P<.01). At all dynamic loading frequencies, the storage modulus in the untreated tendons tended to be higher than that in the treated tendons. At 0.1 Hz and 10 Hz, in the untreated tendons was significantly higher than that in the treated tendons (P=.05). The loss modulus was significantly lower in the treated tendons than in the untreated tendons (P<.05). There was no significant difference in tan δ between the treated and untreated tendons. HE stain showed that the untreated tendon fiber was wavy and kinking and displayed a disordered collagen arrangement. In contrast, the tendon fiber was well aligned in the treated tendons. In the immunohistochemically stained specimens, the type III collagen showed higher color intensity in the untreated tendons than in the treated tendons. Discussion/Conclusion. We have shown that ASTM was a biomechanically useful treatment for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Biomechanical and histologic data showed the treated Achilles tendons had better biomechanical function and histologic outcomes than the untreated tendons

Introduction. Chronic mid body Achilles tendinopathy is a common problem. There is no consensus on treatment. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions (non surgical and non pharmacological) for this condition. Methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted. A search of published and grey literature databases was undertaken (1999- December 2010). Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for eligibility using a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. All eligible articles were assessed critically using the Pedro score. Data on cohort characteristics, diagnostic criteria, treatment intervention, outcome measures and results was extracted. A narrative research synthesis method was adopted. Results. 209 studies were identified. Nine publications met the review inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was adequate for all nine studies; however, blinding was a limitation for most. Interventions investigated were; Exercises (n = 2), Low level laser therapy (n = 1), Low energy shockwave treatment (SWT) (n = 3), Air cast brace (n = 2) and Insoles (n = 1). Some evidence exists for eccentric exercises in combination with SWT or Laser. However, contrary to other reviews, eccentric exercises were not found to be superior to other physiotherapy treatments. Conclusions. There is insufficient evidence to determine which method of physiotherapy is most appropriate for a chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Further well designed randomised controlled trials assessing physiotherapy interventions with specific diagnostic criteria and appropriate outcome tools are required to determine the efficacy of physiotherapy for the condition

Purpose: We report a series of 52 chronic Achilles tendinopathies. Surgical treatments included peritendon dissection, release of the fasia cruris, limited blunt combing of the tendon, and resection of nodules, calcifications and cysts as needed. Material and methods: Mean duration of disease before treatment was 18 months. Twenty-six patients had sports activities. There were 12 bilateral cases. Pain was present in all cases. Ultrasonography was used to establish the PUDDU classification: paratendinitis 21, tendinitis 22, paratendinitis with tendinitis 9. All patients were reviewed at two years. Clinical criteria were used to assess outcome. Results: Mean follow-up was five years six months. Complete pain relief was achieved in 29 cases. Motion was normal in 48 with recovery of former sports level in 29. Overall outcome was very good in 29, good in 14, fair in six and poor in three. Discussion: The mean age of patients with poor outcome was relatively high. All the poor results were correlated with amyotrophy. The presence of a foot deformity did not appear to have an unfavourable effect on outcome. Infitration of the Achilles tendon should be avoided. Avoiding immobilisation appears to prevent tibiotalar stiffness. Ultrasonography can distinguish paratendinitis, tendinitis and paratendinitis with tendinitis but MRI offers very precise images of the lesions. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of chronic Achiles tendinopathy can be proposed after failure of medical treatment. Outcome is better in younger subjects who participate in sports activities and who have paratendinitis

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of shock-wave therapy for chronic Achilles pain. Forty-nine patients with Achilles tendon pain for a minimum of 4 months were included in the study. Patients were randomised to either shockwave therapy (n=27) or placebo control (n=22). The treatment group were given 2000 shocks at up to 1500 mJ/mm2 per shock. The control (sham) treatment was applied using the same parametres but the shockwaves were dispersed before they reached the patient. Each patient was treated once a month over 3 months. The primary outcome measure was pain on walking indicated on a 100mm visual analogue score (VAS) at 3 months. The walking pain scores were very similar at baseline between the two groups. In the treatment group the mean (standard deviation) was 55.5 mm (30.6) and in the control group 55.6mm (26.5). By 3 months, the pain scores had reduced in both groups to a mean (standard deviation) of 34.5 mm (34.2) and 50.3 mm (36.3). Although lower in the treatment group this difference was not statistically significant at the 5% level (t-test, p=0.127, 95% CI : −4.7 to 36.2). Two elderly patients in the treatment group sustained spontaneous rupture of the tendon after falls during the course of the trial. The results of this trial provided no evidence for the use of shockwave therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. However, a treatment effect cannot be ruled out since the 95% confidence interval included a potential clinically relevant difference. The two cases of rupture suggest extreme caution in treating the elderly

Acute Achilles tendon pain is a common clinical entity, particularly in sportsmen and women. Fortunately, the majority of such pain is self limiting. However, there are a significant number of people for whom the pain becomes chronic and debilitating. A recent Cochrane review found that there was no randomised controlled evidence of an effective treatment for chronic Achilles pain. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of shockwave therapy in a double-blind randomised controlled trial. The study has the approval of Local Research Ethics Committees. Forty nine patients with Achilles tendon pain for a minimum of 4 months were included in the study. Patients were randomised to either shockwave therapy (n=27) or sham dose control therapy (n=22). Ultrasound was used to focus the shocks onto the affected area of tendon. The treatment group were given 2000 shocks at upto 1500mJ per shock, titrated to the patients pain tolerance. The control (sham) treatment was applied using the same parametres but with bubble-wrap interposition between the shockwave generator and the Achilles, to disperse the shockwaves. Each patient was treated once a month over 3 months. Primary outcome measure was pain on walking indicated on a 100mm visual analogue score (VAS) at 3 months. Secondary outcome measures included clinical and patient centred questionnaire scores. . An intention-to-treat approach was used for the analysis. Where patients had missing pain scores at 3 month follow-up, the last available pain score was carried forward. The walking pain scores were very similar at baseline between the two groups. In the treatment group the mean (standard deviation) was 55.5mm (30.6) and in the control group 55.6mm (26.5). By 3 months, the pain scores had reduced in both groups to a mean (standard deviation) of 34.5 mm (34.2) and 50.3 mm (36.3). Although lower in the treatment group this difference was not statistically significant at the 5% level (t-test, p = 0.127, 95% C.I. : −4.7 to 36.2). No statistically significant differences were found with respect to any of the other clinical variables. Two elderly patients in the treatment group sustained spontaneous rupture of the tendon after falls, during the course of the trial. The results of this trial provided no evidence for the use of shockwave therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. However, a treatment effect cannot be ruled out since the 95% confidence interval was wide and included a potential clinically relevant difference. The 2 cases of rupture suggest extreme caution in treating the elderly

Aims

Although absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been attracting attention, the rationale for their use remains insufficient. This study prospectively compared the outcomes of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR.

The incidence of acute and chronic conditions of the tendo Achillis appear to be increasing. Causation is multifactorial but the role of inherited genetic elements and the influence of environmental factors altering gene expression are increasingly being recognised. Certain individuals’ tendons carry specific variations of genetic sequence that may make them more susceptible to injury. Alterations in the structure or relative amounts of the components of tendon and fine control of activity within the extracellular matrix affect the response of the tendon to loading with failure in certain cases.

This review summarises present knowledge of the influence of genetic patterns on the pathology of the tendo Achillis, with a focus on the possible biological mechanisms by which genetic factors are involved in the aetiology of tendon pathology. Finally, we assess potential future developments with both the opportunities and risks that they may carry.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:305–13.

The October 2014 Research Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: unpicking syndesmotic injuries: CT scans evaluated; surgical scrub suits and sterility in theatre; continuous passive motion and knee injuries; whether pain at night is melatonin related;venous thromboembolic disease following spinal surgery; clots in lower limb plasters; immune-competent cells in Achilles tendinopathy; and infection in orthopaedics.

Aims

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is a well-recognized technique in the treatment of the neglected tendo Achillis (TA) rupture.

The April 2012 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at injecting the tendon sheath, total ankle replacement, heterotopic ossification, replacement or arthrodesis, achilles tendinopathy, healing of the torn Achilles, grafting of the calcaneal bone cyst, avulsion fractures in athletes, percutaneous distal osteotomy for bunionette formation, and repairing the torn tibiofibular syndesmosis

This is a prospective analysis on 30 physically active individuals with a mean age of 48.9 years (35 to 64) with chronic insertional tendinopathy of the tendo Achillis. Using a transverse incision, the tendon was debrided and an osteotomy of the posterosuperior corner of the calcaneus was performed in all patients. At a minimum post-operative follow-up of three years, the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment scale – Achilles tendon scores were significantly improved compared to the baseline status. In two patients a superficial infection of the wound developed which resolved on antibiotics. There were no other wound complications, no nerve related complications, and no secondary avulsions of the tendo Achillis. In all, 26 patients had returned to their pre-injury level of activity and the remaining four modified their sporting activity. At the last appointment, the mean pain threshold and the mean post-operative tenderness were also significantly improved from the baseline (p < 0.001). In patients with insertional tendo Achillis a transverse incision allows a wide exposure and adequate debridement of the tendo Achillis insertion, less soft-tissue injury from aggressive retraction and a safe osteotomy of the posterosuperior corner of the calcaneum.

The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of disorders of the tendo Achillis is discussed. Some of the pathological processes which occur in Achilles tendinopathy can be identified by ultrasound, which may also be used to direct local treatment.