Autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells are safe for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy.

Achilles tendinopathy is a disabling condition that affects more than 50% of runners. Pre-clinical studies in a large animal model of naturally-occurring tendinopathy similar to human Achilles tendinopathy has shown benefits of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation. However, MSCs are advanced therapies medicinal products (ATMPs), with strict regulatory requirements. Guided by the regulator we carried out a first in man study to assess the safety and efficacy of autologous MSC injection in human patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Ten patients, mean age 47 with mid-portion Achilles tendon pain and swelling for more than 6 months, underwent autologous cultured cell injections (median 12.2 × 106, range 5-19 × 106 cells) into their Achilles tendon. At 24 weeks follow-up, no serious adverse reactions or important medical events were observed. MOXFQ, EQ-5D-5L, and VISA-A scores improved clinically at 12 and 24 weeks. VAS pain improved increasingly at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. MOXFQ Pain and VISA-A Scores improved > 12 points from baseline to 24 weeks in 8 patients. Maximum anteroposterior tendon thickness as measured by greyscale US decreased by mean 0.8 mm at 24 weeks. This phase IIa study demonstrated the safety of autologous MSC injection for non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy and provides proof-of-concept of the technique in patients, all of whom had previously failed conservative treatments for chronic disease and leads the way for a larger randomised controlled trial.

Safety and Efficacy of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy (With Gap >3 mm) in Patients: 12-Month Follow-up Results of a Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial.

Background: In a previous study, the authors found that at 6 months after treatment with a 20 × 106 dose of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), patients showed improved tendon structure and regeneration of the gap area when compared with treatment using leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP). The Lp-PRP group (n = 10), which had not seen tendon regeneration at the 6-month follow-up, was subsequently offered treatment with BM-MSCs to see if structural changes would occur. In addition, the 12-month follow-up outcomes of the original BM-MSC group (n = 10) were evaluated. Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of all patients (n = 20) at 12 months after BM-MSC treatment and observe if the Lp-PRP pretreated group experienced any type of advantage. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Both the BM-MSC and original Lp-PRP groups were assessed at 12 months after BM-MSC treatment with clinical examination, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain during daily activities and sports activities, the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella score for patellar tendinopathy, dynamometry, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Differences between the 2 groups were compared with the Student t test. Results: The 10 patients originally treated with BM-MSCs continued to show improvement in tendon structure in their MRI scans (P < .0001), as well as in the clinical assessment of their pain by means of scales (P < .05). Ten patients who were originally treated with Lp-PRP and then with BM-MSCs exhibited an improvement in tendon structure in their MRI scans, as well as a clinical pain improvement, but this was not significant on the VAS for sports (P = .139). Thus, applying Lp-PRP before BM-MScs did not yield any type of advantage. Conclusion: The 12-month follow-up outcomes after both groups of patients (n = 20) received BM-MSC treatment indicated that biological treatment was safe, there were no adverse effects, and the participants showed a highly statistically significant clinical improvement (P < .0002), as well as an improvement in tendon structure on MRI (P < .0001). Preinjection of Lp-PRP yielded no advantages.

Is the Superficial Peritendinous Tissue an Additional Pain Driver in Patellar Tendinopathy?-Studies on Morphology and Innervation in a Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Ultrasound (US) and Doppler (DP) guided arthroscopic shaving targeting the area with neovessels and nerves on the dorsal side of the tendon has shown good clinical results. Recently, we observed that in a sub-group of patients there is also local tenderness on the superficial side of the proximal patellar tendon; Material and Methods: The aim was to examine morphology and innervation patterns of the superficial peritendinous tissue from patients (four men and two women; mean age 23 years, range 17-31 years) that on US+DP examination showed a locally thickened paratenon including high blood flow. Tissue sections were stained for morphology (hematoxylin and eosin, H&E) and immunohistochemically for nerve markers (ß-tubulin; tyrosine hydroxylase, TH; calcitonin related gene peptide, CRGP); Results: All tissue specimens contained high levels of blood vessels and nerves (fascicles, sprouting nerve fibers, perivascular innervation) as evidenced by evaluation for H&E and ß-tubulin reactions. Nerve fascicles mainly contained sensory but also sympathetic axons. Nerves related to blood vessels were sympathetic fibers; Conclusions: There was a marked innervation in the superficial peritendinous tissue in a sub-group of patients with patellar tendinopathy and severe tenderness in the proximal patellar tendon. The results indicate that this tissue might be an additional pain driver in some patients and should be considered in further studies.

Contemporary imaging of inguinal hernia and pain.

Inguinal hernias are the commonest type of hernia, and are frequently encountered by general, abdominal and musculoskeletal radiologists. Such hernias may cause discomfort or pain; but many other conditions may cause pain in a similar location, meaning it is not always straightforward to determine the underlying cause of a particular patient's symptoms. Although surgical fixation of hernia has high success rates with low recurrence, ongoing symptoms are common after apparently uncomplicated surgery. In particular, post-surgical chronic groin pain can be highly problematic in some patients. In this review, we highlight the relevant surgical and imaging anatomy, common modes of clinical presentation, contemporary surgical approaches to the repair of inguinal hernia, imaging techniques to diagnose such hernias in both unoperated and operated groins and mimics of hernia-related pain.

Is There a Relationship Between Quadriceps Tendinopathy and Suprapatellar Plica? An Observational Case Series.

Purpose: Chronic painful quadriceps tendinopathy is a relatively rare condition known to be difficult to manage. Conservative management is first-line treatment and if that fails open intra-tendinous revision surgery followed by a long rehabilitation period is used. There is sparse research on etiology and new treatment methods. This observational study aimed to evaluate the intra-articular findings in patients with chronic painful quadriceps tendinopathy resistant to conservative management. Patients and Methods: Seven male athletes (mean age 33 years, range 22-40) suffering from chronic painful quadriceps tendinopathy in altogether 10 tendons, not responding to conservative management including heavy strength training, were included. Clinical examination and ultrasound scanning were used for diagnosis. Arthroscopy was used for evaluation of the inside of the knee. Results: In all 10 knees, there were obliterating major plica formations in the suprapatellar pouch. Conclusion: Obliterating plica formations in the suprapatellar pouch may be involved in the aetiology and pathology in quadriceps tendinopathy.

ICON 2020-International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus: A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures Reported in Clinical Trials of Achilles Tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Nine core domains for tendinopathy have been identified. For Achilles tendinopathy there is large variation in outcome measures used, and how these fit into the core domains has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To identify all available outcome measures outcome measures used to assess the clinical phenotype of Achilles tendinopathy in prospective studies and to map the outcomes measures into predefined health-related core domains. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy, sample size ≥ ten participants, age ≥ 16 years, and the study design was a randomized or non-randomized clinical trial, observational cohort, single-arm intervention, or case series. RESULTS: 9376 studies were initially screened and 307 studies were finally included, totaling 13,248 participants. There were 233 (177 core domain) different outcome measures identified across all domains. For each core domain outcome measures were identified, with a range between 8 and 35 unique outcome measures utilized for each domain. The proportion of studies that included outcomes for predefined core domains ranged from 4% for the psychological factors domain to 72% for the disability domain. CONCLUSION: 233 unique outcome measures for Achilles tendinopathy were identified. Most frequently, outcome measures were used within the disability domain. Outcome measures assessing psychological factors were scarcely used. The next step in developing a core outcome set for Achilles tendinopathy is to engage patients, clinicians and researchers to reach consensus on key outcomes measures. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42020156763.

Sharp pain in a normal Achilles tendon of a professional female football player was related to a plantaris tendon in a rare position: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Plantaris tendinopathy and plantaris-associated Achilles tendinopathy can be responsible for chronic pain in the Achilles tendon midportion, often accompanied by medial tenderness. As conservative treatments are less successful for this patient group, proper diagnosis is important for decision making. This report presents a case with plantaris tendinopathy in a rare (superficial) location. CASE PRESENTATION: This article describes a pain history and treatment timeline of a professional Swedish female soccer player (32 years old, Northern European ethnicity, white) who suffered from sharp pain in the Achilles tendon midportion and tenderness on the medial and superficial side for about 2 years. Conservative treatments, including eccentric exercises, were not successful and, to some extent, even caused additional irritation in that region. Ultrasound showed a wide and thick plantaris tendon located on the superficial side of the Achilles tendon midportion. The patient was surgically treated with local removal of the plantaris tendon. After surgery there was a relatively quick (4-6 weeks) rehabilitation, with immediate weight bearing, gradual increased loading, and return to running activities after 4 weeks. At follow-up at 8 weeks, the patient was running and had not experienced any further episodes of sharp pain during change of direction or sprinting. CONCLUSIONS: The plantaris tendon should be considered as a possible source of Achilles tendon pain. This case study demonstrates that the plantaris tendon can be found in unexpected (superficial) positions and needs to be carefully visualized during clinical and imaging examinations.

Achilles Scraping and Plantaris Tendon Removal Improves Pain and Tendon Structure in Patients with Mid-Portion Achilles Tendinopathy-A 24 Month Follow-Up Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that a sub-group of patients with medial Achilles pain exhibit Achilles tendinopathy with plantaris tendon involvement. This clinical condition is characterised by structural relationships and functional interference between the two tendons, resulting in compressive or shearing forces. Surgical plantaris tendon removal together with an Achilles scraping procedure has demonstrated positive short-term clinical results. The aim of this case series was to determine the long-term outcomes on pain and Achilles tendon structure. METHODS: 18 consecutive patients (13 males; 5 females; mean age 39 years; mean symptom duration 28 months), of which three were elites, were included. Clinical examination, b-mode ultrasound (US) and Ultrasound Tissue Characterisation (UTC) confirmed medial Achilles tendon pain and tenderness, medial Achilles tendinopathy plus a plantaris tendon located close to the medial side of the Achilles tendon. Patients underwent US-guided local Achilles scraping and plantaris tendon removal followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Outcomes were VISA-A score for pain and function and UTC for Achilles structure. RESULTS: 16 of 18 patients completed the 24 months follow-up. Mean VISA-A scores increased from 58.2 (±15.9) to 92.0 (±9.2) (mean difference = 33.8, 95% CI 25.2, 42.8, p < 0.01). There was an improvement in Achilles structure with mean organised echo pixels (UTC type I+II, in %) increasing from 79.9 (±11.5) to 86.4 (±10.0) (mean difference = 6.5%, 95% CI 0.80, 13.80, p =0.01), exceeding the 3.4% minimum detectable change. All 16 patients reported satisfaction with the procedure and 14 returned to pre-injury activity levels. There were no reported complications. CONCLUSIONS: Improved pain, function and tendon structure were observed 24 months after treatment with Achilles scraping and plantaris excision. The improvement in structure on the medial side of the Achilles after plantaris removal indicates that compression from the plantaris tendon might be an important presenting factor in this sub-group.

Ultrasound and surgical inspection of plantaris tendon involvement in chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a case series.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy is known to be difficult to manage. The diagnosis is not always easy because multiple different tissues can be involved. The plantaris tendon has recently been described to frequently be involved in chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. This study aimed to evaluate possible plantaris tendon involvement in patients with chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients (74 males, 25 females) with a mean age of 40 years (range 24-64) who were surgically treated for insertional Achilles tendinopathy, were included. Clinical examination, ultrasound (US)+Doppler examination, and surgical findings were used to evaluate plantaris tendon involvement. RESULTS: In 48/99 patients, there were clinical symptoms of plantaris tendon involvement with pain and tenderness located medially at the Achilles tendon insertion. In all these cases, surgical findings showed a thick and wide plantaris tendon together with a richly vascularised fatty infiltration between the plantaris and Achilles tendon. US examination suspected plantaris involvement in 32/48 patients. CONCLUSION: Plantaris tendon involvement can potentially be part of the pathology in chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy and should be considered for diagnosis and treatment when there is distinct and focal medial pain and tenderness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV case series.

Effect of Autologous Expanded Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells or Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy (With Gap >3 mm): Preliminary Outcomes After 6 Months of a Double-Blind, Randomized, Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Patellar tendinopathy is common. The success of traditional management, including isometric or eccentric exercises combined with shockwave therapy and even surgery, is limited. Therefore, it is important to determine whether biological treatments such as ultrasound-guided intratendinous and peritendinous injections of autologous expanded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP) improve clinical outcomes in athletic patients with patellar tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized, 2-arm parallel group, active controlled, phase 1/2 single-center clinical study was performed in patients who had proximal patellar tendinopathy with a lesion >3 mm. A total of 20 participants (age 18-48 years) with pain for >4 months (mean, 23.6 months) and unresponsive to nonoperative treatments were randomized into 2 groups. Of these, 10 participants were treated with BM-MSC (20 × 106 cells) and 10 with Lp-PRP. Both groups performed the same postintervention rehabilitation protocol. Outcomes included the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for pain (VISA-P), self-reported tendon pain during activity (visual analog scale [VAS]), muscle function by dynamometry, tendon thickness and intratendinous vascularity by ultrasonographic imaging and Doppler signal, ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) echo type changes, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted mapping changes. Participants were followed longitudinally for 6 months. RESULTS: The average VAS scores improved in both groups at all time points, and there was a significant reduction in pain during sporting activities (P < .05). In both groups, the average mean VISA-P scores at 6 months were significantly increased compared with baseline (66 BM-MSC group and 72.90 Lp-PRP group), with no significant differences in VAS or VISA-P scores between the groups. There were statistically significant greater improvements in tendon structure on 2-dimensional ultrasound and UTC in the BM-MSC group compared with the Lp-PRP group at 6 months. Similarly, the BM-MSC group demonstrated significant evidence of restoration of tendon structure on MRI compared with the Lp-PRP group at 6 months. Only the participants in the BM-MSC group showed evidence of normalization of tendon structure, with statistically significant differences between the groups on T2-weighted, fat-saturated sagittal and coronal scans and hypersignal in T2-weighted on spin-echo T2-weighted coronal MRI scan. Both treatments were safe, and no significant adverse events were reported in either group. CONCLUSION: Treatment with BM-MSC or Lp-PRP in combination with rehabilitation in chronic patellar tendinopathy is effective in reducing pain and improving activity levels in active participants. Participants who received BM-MSC treatment demonstrated greater improvement in tendon structure compared with those who received Lp-PRP. REGISTRATION: 2016-001262-28 (EudraCT identifier); NCT03454737 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Ultrasound classification of medial gastrocnemious injuries.

High-resolution ultrasound (US) has helped to characterize the "tennis leg injury" (TL). However, no specific classifications with prognostic value exist. This study proposes a medial head of the gastrocnemius injury classification based on sonographic findings and relates this to the time to return to work (RTW) and return to sports (RTS) to evaluate the prognostic value of the classification. 115 subjects (64 athletes and 51 workers) were retrospectively reviewed to asses specific injury location according to medial head of the gastrocnemius anatomy (myoaponeurotic junction; gastrocnemius aponeurosis (GA), free gastrocnemius aponeurosis (FGA)), presence of intermuscular hematoma, and presence of gastrocnemius-soleus asynchronous movement. Return to play (RTP; athletes) and return to work (RTW; occupational) days were recorded by the treating physician. This study proposes 5 injury types with a significant relation to RTP and RTW (P < .001): Type 1 (myoaponeurotic injury), type 2A (gastrocnemius aponeurosis injury with a <50% affected GA width), type 2B (gastrocnemius aponeurosis with >50% affected GA width), type 3 (free gastrocnemius aponeurosis (FGA) tendinous injury), and type 4 (mixed GA and FGA injury). The longest RTP/RTW periods were associated with injuries with FGA involvement. Intermuscular hematoma and Gastrocnemius-soleus asynchronous motion during dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were observed when the injury affected >50% of the GA width, with or without associated FGA involvement, and this correlated with a worse prognosis. The proposed classification can be readily applied in the clinical setting although further studies on treatment options are required.

Ultrasound-guided tendon debridement improves pain, function and structure in persistent patellar tendinopathy: short term follow-up of a case series.

There is a need for effective therapeutic options for resistant patellar tendinopathy. Ultrasound (US)-guided arthroscopic debridement has demonstrated promising clinical results. OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate pain, function, tendon structure and adverse events after US and colour Doppler (CD)-guided arthroscopic debridement for persistent painful patellar tendinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients (19 males and 4 females, mean age 28 years (±8), symptom duration 25 months (±21)), who had failed conservative management including progressive loading, were included. US+CD and ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) examination verified the clinical diagnosis and quantified baseline tendon structure. Patients were treated with US+CD-guided arthroscopic debridement followed by a specific rehabilitation protocol. Outcomes were VISA-P score for pain and function and UTC for tendon structure. Adverse events were specifically elicited. RESULTS: At 6-month follow-up, mean VISA-P score increased from 40 (±21.0) to 82 (±15) (mean deviation (MD)=42.0, 95% CI 32 to 53, d=2.4), while organised echo pixels (combined UTC type I+II) increased from 55.0% (±17.0) to 69.0% (±15.0) (MD=14.0, d=0.7, 95% CI 2 to 21). Both outcomes exceeded minimum detectable change values. Twenty-one participants returned to their prediagnosis activity levels, and there were no significant adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided patellar tendon debridement for persistent patellar tendinopathy improved symptoms and tendon structure without complications at 6-month follow-up. A majority (21/23) of the patients returned to their preinjury activity level. Further studies with longer follow-ups, preferably randomised and controlled, are needed.

Changes on Tendon Stiffness and Clinical Outcomes in Athletes Are Associated With Patellar Tendinopathy After Eccentric Exercise.

OBJECTIVE: Eccentric exercise is commonly used as a form of loading exercise for individuals with patellar tendinopathy. This study investigated the change of mechanical properties and clinical outcomes and their interrelationships after a 12-week single-legged decline-board exercise with and without extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a university. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four male in-season athletes with patellar tendinopathy for more than 3 months were randomized into exercise and combined groups. INTERVENTIONS: The exercise group received a 12-week single-legged decline-squat exercise, and the combined group performed an identical exercise program in addition to a weekly session of ESWT in the initial 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tendon stiffness and strain were examined using ultrasonography and dynamometry. Visual analog scale and Victoria Institute of Sports Assessment-patella (VISA-p) score were used to assess pain and dysfunction. These parameters were measured at preintervention and postintervention. RESULTS: Significant time effect but no significant group effect on the outcome measures; significant reduction in tendon stiffness (P = 0.02) and increase in tendon strain (P = 0.00); and reduction of intensity of pain (P = 0.00) and dysfunction (P = 0.00) were observed. Significant correlations between changes in tendon stiffness and VISA-p score (ρ = -0.58, P = 0.05); alteration in tendon strain, pain intensity (ρ = -0.63, P = 0.03); and VISA-p score (ρ = 0.60, P = 0.04) were detected after the exercise program. CONCLUSIONS: Eccentric exercise-induced modulation on tendon mechanical properties and clinical symptoms are associated in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.

Autologous bone marrow expanded mesenchymal stem cells in patellar tendinopathy: protocol for a phase I/II, single-centre, randomized with active control PRP, double-blinded clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patellar tendon overuse injuries are common in athletes. Imaging may show a change in tissue structure with tendon thickening and disruption of the intratendinous substance. We wish to test the hypothesis that both autologous bone marrow expanded mesenchymal stem cells and autologous leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) implanted into the area of the disrupted tendinopathic patellar tendon will restore function, but tendon regeneration tissue will only be observed in the subjects treated with autologous bone marrow expanded mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre, pilot phase I/II, double-blinded clinical trial with randomisation with active control. Twenty patients with a diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy with imaging changes (tendon thickening and disruption of the intratendinous substance at the proximal portion of the patellar tendon) will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive a local injection of either bone-marrow autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), isolated and cultured under GMP at The Institute of Biology and Molecular Genetics (IBGM) (Spain) or P-PRP. The study will have two aims: first, to ascertain whether a clinically relevant improvement after 3, 6 and 12 months according to the visual analogue scale (VAS), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for patellar tendons (VISA-P) and dynamometry scales (DYN) will be achieved; and second, to ascertain whether the proposed intervention will restore tendon structure as determined by ultrasonography (US), Doppler ultrasonography (DUS), and innovative MRI and ultrasound techniques: Magnetic Resonance T2 FAT SAT (UTE, Ultrashort Echo TE) sequence and Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC). Patients who are randomised to the P-PRP treatment group but do not achieve a satisfactory primary endpoint after 6 months will be offered treatment with MSC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03454737.

Ankle Joint Position and the Reliability of Ultrasound Tissue Characterization of the Achilles Tendon: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Imaging of the Achilles tendon using ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) involves taking up the slack of the tendon by including dorsiflexion of the ankle. This pilot study aimed to determine whether different longitudinal tension applied to the Achilles tendon during imaging affected the reliability of UTC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Nine asymptomatic active volunteers, aged between 23-49 years underwent imaging of 17 Achilles tendons. Three positions of tension included plantar grade, 50%, and 100% of maximal dorsiflexion, with a range of 18-32°. Ranges were established and standardized using an isokinetic dynamometer. A test and re-test process was conducted at each position to determine the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimum detectable change (MDC) per echotype. Images were analyzed using UTC software. RESULTS Plantar grade positioning images could not be obtained. ICCs for each echotype I-IV between test 1 and test 2 were 0.965, 0.962, 0.858, 0.739 at 100% dorsiflexion (95% CI, 0.86-0.99, 0.84-0.99, 0.51-0.97, and 0.2-0.94), and 0.771, 0.551, 0.569, 0.429 at 50% dorsiflexion (95% CI, 0.29-0.94, -0.09-0.88, -0.01-0.88, and -0.15-0.82). The MDC per echotype I-IV ranged between 4.1-1.0% of echotype data at 100% dorsiflexion, and 17.2-6.3% at 50% dorsiflexion. CONCLUSIONS Testing at maximum dorsiflexion provided improved reliability when using UTC in healthy individuals. The ICC at 100% dorsiflexion was increased, and the MDC was reduced for all echotypes. Therefore, standardizing test positions when using UTC is advisable for reliable comparison of results between studies.

Sonographically Guided Plantaris Tendon Release: A Cadaveric Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: The plantaris tendon (PT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of symptoms in a subset of patients with Achilles region pain syndromes and traditionally has been managed via open surgical resection. Although the PT can be visualized on ultrasound, a minimally invasive technique for sonographically guided PT release has not been formally described. OBJECTIVE: To validate a technique to perform sonographically guided PT release in an unembalmed cadaveric model. DESIGN: Prospective, cadaveric laboratory investigation. SETTING: Procedural skills laboratory in a tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS: Twenty unembalmed cadaveric knee-ankle-foot specimens (10 right, 10 left) obtained from 16 donors (6 male, 10 female) ages 55-96 years (mean 82.6 years) with body mass indexes of 14.1-33.2 kg/m2 (mean 23.3 kg/m2 ). METHODS: After simulated local anesthesia and sonographically guided hydrodissection of the plantaris tendon-Achilles tendon interval, a single experienced operator performed sonographically guided PT release on each specimen using an in-plane, lateral-to-medial approach, a commercially available, disposable 3.0-mm hook knife, and either a 17-5 MHz or 15-7 MHz linear array transducer. Each specimen was subsequently dissected to assess for PT release and iatrogenic injury. MAIN OUTCOME: Status of the PT, Achilles tendon, and regional neurovascular structures as determined by dissection. RESULTS: All 20 PT releases were completed in a single attempt through a 3- to 5-mm incision. Dissection confirmed complete PT release in all specimens without damage to the adjacent Achilles tendon or regional neurovascular structures. CONCLUSION: Sonographically guided PT release is technically feasible and can be performed while avoiding injury to the Achilles tendon and regional neurovascular structures. Additional research is warranted to further define the role of sonographically guided PT release in patients with suspected PT-mediated Achilles region pain syndromes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical plantaris tendon removal for patients with plantaris tendon-related pain only and a normal Achilles tendon: a case series.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical removal of the plantaris tendon can cure plantaris-associated Achilles tendinopathy, a condition in which Achilles and plantaris tendinopathy coexist. However, rare cases with plantaris tendinopathy alone are often misdiagnosed due to a normal Achilles tendon. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective case series study at one centre. PARTICIPANTS: Ten consecutive patients (9 men and one woman, mean age 35 years, range 19-67) with plantaris tendon-related pain alone in altogether 13 tendons were included. All had had a long duration (median 10 months, range 3 months to 10 years) of pain symptoms on the medial side of the Achilles tendon mid-portion. Preoperative ultrasound showed thickened plantaris tendon but a normal Achilles tendon. INTERVENTIONS: Operative treatment consisting of ultrasound-guided excision of the plantaris tendon. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores from Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A)were taken preoperatively and postoperatively (median duration 10 months). Patient satisfaction and time until full return to sports activity level was asked by a questionnaire. RESULTS: The VISA-A scores increased from 61 (range 45-81) preoperatively to 97 (range 94-100) postoperatively (p<0.01). Follow-up results at 10 months (range 7-72 months) on 9/10 patients showed full satisfaction and return to their preinjury sports or recreational activity. CONCLUSION: The plantaris tendon should be kept in mind when evaluating painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region, especially when no Achilles tendinopathy is present. Excision of the plantaris tendon via a minor surgical procedure in local anaesthesia results in a good outcome.

Autologous Stem Cells in Achilles Tendinopathy (ASCAT): protocol for a phase IIA, single-centre, proof-of-concept study.

INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a cause of pain and disability affecting both athletes and sedentary individuals. More than 150 000 people in the UK every year suffer from AT.While there is much preclinical work on the use of stem cells in tendon pathology, there is a scarcity of clinical data looking at the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat tendon disease and there does not appear to be any studies of the use of autologous cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for AT. Our hypothesis is that autologous culture expanded MSCs implanted into an area of mid-portion AT will lead to improved pain-free mechanical function. The current paper presents the protocol for a phase IIa clinical study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The presented protocol is for a non-commercial, single-arm, open-label, phase IIa proof-of-concept study. The study will recruit 10 participants and will follow them up for 6 months. Included will be patients aged 18-70 years with chronic mid-portion AT who have failed at least 6 months of non-operative management. Participants will have a bone marrow aspirate collected from the posterior iliac crest under either local or general anaesthetic. MSCs will be isolated and expanded from the bone marrow. Four to 6 weeks after the harvest, participants will undergo implantation of the culture expanded MSCs under local anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome will be safety as defined by the incidence rate of serious adverse reaction. The secondary outcomes will be efficacy as measured by patient-reported outcome measures and radiological outcome using ultrasound techniques. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the National Research Ethics Service Committee (London, Harrow; reference 13/LO/1670). Trial findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02064062.

Differential Motion and Compression Between the Plantaris and Achilles Tendons: A Contributing Factor to Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy?

BACKGROUND: The plantaris tendon (PT) has been thought to contribute to symptoms in a proportion of patients with Achilles midportion tendinopathy, with symptoms improving after PT excision. HYPOTHESIS: There is compression and differential movement between the PT and Achilles tendon (AT) during ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles (mean ± SD age: 35 ± 7 years, range = 27-48 years; men, n = 9) were mounted in a customized testing rig, where the tibia was fixed but the forefoot could be moved freely. A Steinmann pin was drilled through the calcaneus, enabling a valgus torque to be applied. The soleus, gastrocnemius, and plantaris muscles were loaded with 63 N with a weighted pulley system. The test area was 40 to 80 mm above the os calcis, corresponding to where the injury is observed clinically. Medially, the AT and PT were exposed, and a calibrated flexible pressure sensor was inserted between the tendons. Pressure readings were recorded with the ankle in full dorsiflexion, full plantarflexion, and plantargrade and repeated in these positions with a 5 N·m torque, simulating increased hindfoot valgus. The pressure sensor was removed and the PT and AT marked with ink at the same level, with the foot held in neutral rotation and plantargrade. Videos and photographs were taken to assess differential motion between the tendons. After testing, specimens were dissected to identify the PT insertion. One-way analysis of variance and paired t tests were performed to make comparisons. RESULTS: The PT tendons with an insertion separate from the AT demonstrated greater differential motion through range (14 ± 4 mm) when compared with those directly adherent to the AT (2 ± 2 mm) ( P < .001). Mean pressure between the PT and AT rose in terminal plantarflexion for all specimens ( P < .001) and was more pronounced with hindfoot valgus ( P < .001). CONCLUSION: The PT inserting directly into the calcaneus resulted in significantly greater differential motion as compared with the AT. Tendon compression was elevated in terminal plantarflexion, suggesting that adapting rehabilitation tendon-loading programs to avoid this position may be beneficial. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The insertion pattern of the PT may be a factor in plantaris-related midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Terminal range plantarflexion and hindfoot valgus both increased AT and PT compression, suggesting that these should be avoided in this patient population.

Differential Plantaris-Achilles Tendon Motion: A Sonographic and Cadaveric Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Differential motion between the plantaris and Achilles tendons has been hypothesized to contribute to pain in some patients presenting with Achilles tendinopathy. However, objective evidence of differential Achilles-plantaris motion is currently lacking from the literature. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether differential, multidirectional motion exists between the plantaris tendon (PT) and Achilles tendon (AT) as documented by dynamic ultrasound (US) and postdissection examination in an unembalmed cadaveric model. DESIGN: Prospective, cadaveric laboratory investigation. SETTING: Procedural skills laboratory in a tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS: Twenty unembalmed knee-ankle-foot specimens (9 right, 11 left) obtained from 6 male and 10 female donors ages 55-96 years (mean 80 years) with body mass indices of 14.1-33.2 kg/m2 (mean 22.5 kg/m2). METHODS: A single, experienced operator used high-resolution dynamic US to qualitatively document differential PT-AT motion during passive ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion. Specimens were then dissected and passive dorsiflexion-plantarflexion was repeated while differential PT-AT motion was visualized directly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Presence or absence of multidirectional differential PT-AT motion. RESULTS: All 20 specimens exhibited smooth but variable amplitude multidirectional differential PT-AT motion. Whereas US readily demonstrated medial-lateral and anterior-posterior PT motion relative to the AT, differential longitudinal motion was only appreciated on dissection and direct inspection. Many specimens exhibited partial or complete encasement of the PT between the gastrocnemius portion of the AT and the soleus aponeurosis. CONCLUSION: Some degree of multidirectional differential PT-AT motion appears to be a normal phenomenon, and PT motion can be evaluated sonographically in both the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions. The existence of normal differential PT-AT motion suggests that alterations in PT motion or repetitive stress within the PT-AT interval may produce symptoms in some patients presenting with Achilles region pain syndromes. The PT should be evaluated in all patients presenting with Achilles, plantaris, or calf pain syndromes. Future research would benefit from the development of a sonographic classification system for PT anatomy and motion with the goal of differentiating normal versus pathologic states and identifying risk factors for symptom development. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.