Proximal patellar tendon pathology can develop during adolescence in young ballet dancers-A 2-year longitudinal study.

Patellar tendinopathy (tendon pain and dysfunction), or jumper's knee, is prevalent in adult jumping athletes. Pathology in the proximal patellar tendon is a key risk factor for developing patellar tendinopathy. When pathology develops in the proximal patellar tendon is not known, although it is reported to exist in adolescent athletes. The aim of this study was to follow young jumping athletes (ballet dancers) through adolescence to identify whether pathology develops and its relation to the adolescent growth spurt. Fifty-seven elite ballet students between ages 11 and 18 were monitored for 2 years. Data were collected every 6 months, including an ultrasound scan on their left tendons using ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) to quantify intratendinous changes, anthropometric data to calculate peak height velocity (adolescent growth spurt), participant reports of any injuries or dance modifications, and a VISA-P and single leg decline squat for patellar tendon pain. Nine percentage of adolescent dancers developed pathology during this study, and development was not associated with growth spurt. Peak height velocity and dance participation/volume both at the start and throughout the study were similar in those who did develop pathology and those who did not. Only 2 of 5 participants who developed pathology reported pain associated with their tendon. Pathology in the proximal patellar tendon can develop during adolescence.

Quantifying proximal patellar tendon changes during adolescence in elite ballet dancers, a 2-year study.

Patellar tendon pathology appears to develop in young athletes. It is not known how this tendon develops through adolescence. This longitudinal study investigated proximal patellar tendon development during the adolescent growth spurt in young ballet dancers and identified whether puberty (estimated by maturity offset) had an effect on tendon development. Fifty two dancers (32 female and 20 male dancers, ages 11-18 at baseline) had ultrasound images of their tendons every 6 months for 2 years. Changes in tendon size (anterior-posterior diameter) on grayscale images and echogenicity, as quantified using ultrasound tissue characterization, were recorded each time. Maturity offset was calculated used to estimate peak height velocity (adolescent growth spurt). Maturity offset did not affect effect tendon composition before peak height velocity; however, after participants passed peak height velocity, maturity offset increased the composition of stable echopattern (P < .05): a 4% differential increase in type I echopattern, indicative of normal tendon structure, and a decrease in type III echopattern (more disorganized echopattern) by 0.7% per year. Anterior-posterior thickness increased by 0.2 mm/y (P < .05) measured 2 cm below the patella. Following peak height velocity, the proximal patellar tendon attachment increased in thickness and demonstrated a more stable echopattern representative of aligned fibrillar structure. Future research is required to further understand this normal maturation and the factors that support this process, with the aim of reducing the development of patellar tendon pathology in the adolescent jumping athlete.

The prevalence of Achilles and patellar tendon injuries in Australian football players beyond a time-loss definition.

Little is known about the prevalence and associated of morbidity of tendon problems. With only severe cases of tendon problems missing games, players that have their training and performance impacted are not captured by traditional injury surveillance. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of Achilles and patellar tendon problems in elite male Australian football players using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (OSTRC) overuse questionnaire, compared to a time-loss definition. Male athletes from 12 professional Australian football teams were invited to complete a monthly questionnaire over a 9-month period in the 2016 pre- and competitive season. The OSTRC overuse injury questionnaire was used to measure the prevalence and severity of Achilles and patellar tendon symptoms and was compared to traditional match-loss statistics. A total of 441 participants were included. Of all participants, 21.5% (95% CI: 17.9-25.6) and 25.2% (95% CI 21.3-29.4) reported Achilles or patellar tendon problems during the season, respectively. Based on the traditional match-loss definition, a combined 4.1% of participants missed games due to either Achilles or patellar tendon injury. A greater average monthly prevalence was observed during the pre-season compared to the competitive season. Achilles and patellar tendon problems are prevalent in elite male Australian football players. These injuries are not adequately captured using a traditional match-loss definition. Prevention of these injuries may be best targeted during the off- and pre-season due to higher prevalence of symptoms during the pre-season compared to during the competitive season.

Pain duration is associated with increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity in patients with Achilles tendinopathy.

Tendinopathy is a common condition, which has been linked to surrogate measures of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to compare in vivo measures of the SNS and insulin resistance between individuals with and without Achilles tendinopathy. This case-control study compared Achilles tendinopathy sufferers to healthy controls. SNS activity was quantified using muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), while metabolic status was assessed via a modified glucose tolerance test and fasting lipid panel. Ultrasound tissue characterization assessed tendon structure. Resting MSNA did not differ between the 15 cases and 20 controls. Tendon pain duration in tendinopathy patients was correlated with burst frequency (R2 =.32, P=.02) and burst incidence (R2 =.41, P=.01) of MSNA. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, there was a trend suggesting fasting glucose was greater in cases (median 4.80, IQR .70 in cases vs 4.51, .38 in controls) and correlated with pain severity (R2 =.14, P=.03), but no other metabolic measures were associated with tendon pain/structure. This study indicates that SNS activity is associated with tendon pain duration, building on previous data indicating the SNS is involved in recalcitrant tendinopathy. Metabolic parameters had little relationship with Achilles tendinopathy in this metabolically homogenous sample. Prospective studies are required to uncover the precise relationship between SNS activity, insulin resistance, and tendinopathy.

Pathological tendons maintain sufficient aligned fibrillar structure on ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC).

Structural disorganization in the tendon is associated with tendinopathy, with little research investigating whether disorganization overwhelms the overall structural integrity of the tendon. This study investigated the mean cross-sectional area (CSA) of aligned fibrillar structure as detected by ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) in the pathological and normal Achilles and patellar tendons. Ninety-one participants had their Achilles and/or patellar tendons scanned using UTC to capture a three-dimensional image of the tendon and allow a semi-quantification of the echopattern. The mean CSA of aligned fibrillar structure (echo type I + II) and disorganized structure (echo type III + IV) was calculated based on UTC algorithms. Each tendon was classified as either pathological or normal based solely on gray-scale ultrasound. The mean CSA of aligned fibrillar structure was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.001) in the pathological tendon compared with the normal tendon, despite the pathological tendon containing greater amounts of disorganized structure (P ≤ 0.001). A significant relationship was observed between the mean CSA of disorganized structure and anteroposterior diameter of the Achilles (R(2) = 0.587) and patellar (R(2) = 0.559) tendons. This study is the first to show that pathological tendons have sufficient levels of aligned fibrillar structure. Pathological tendons may compensate for areas of disorganization by increasing in tendon thickness.

Achilles tendon structure improves on UTC imaging over a 5-month pre-season in elite Australian football players.

Pre-season injuries are common and may be due to a reintroduction of training loads. Tendons are sensitive to changes in load, making them vulnerable to injury in the pre-season. This study investigated changes in Achilles tendon structure on ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) over the course of a 5-month pre-season in elite male Australian football players. Eighteen elite male Australian football players with no history of Achilles tendinopathy and normal Achilles tendons were recruited. The left Achilles tendon was scanned with UTC to quantify the stability of the echopattern. Participants were scanned at the start and completion of a 5-month pre-season. Fifteen players remained asymptomatic over the course of the pre-season. All four echo-types were significantly different at the end of the pre-season, with the overall echopattern suggesting an improvement in Achilles tendon structure. Three of the 18 participants developed Achilles tendon pain that coincided with a change in the UTC echopattern. This study demonstrates that the UTC echopattern of the Achilles tendon improves over a 5-month pre-season training period, representing increased fibrillar alignment. However, further investigation is needed to elucidate with this alteration in the UTC echopattern results in improved tendon resilience and load capacity.

Does the adolescent patellar tendon respond to 5 days of cumulative load during a volleyball tournament?

Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) has a high prevalence in jumping athletes. Excessive load on the patellar tendon through high volumes of training and competition is an important risk factor. Structural changes in the tendon are related to a higher risk of developing patellar tendinopathy. The critical tendon load that affects tendon structure is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate patellar tendon structure on each day of a 5-day volleyball tournament in an adolescent population (16-18 years). The right patellar tendon of 41 players in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup was scanned with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) on every day of the tournament (Monday to Friday). UTC can quantify structure of a tendon into four echo types based on the stability of the echo pattern. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to test for change of echo type I and II over the tournament days. Participants played between eight and nine matches during the tournament. GEE analysis showed no significant change of echo type percentages of echo type I (Wald chi-square = 4.603, d.f. = 4, P = 0.331) and echo type II (Wald chi-square = 6.070, d.f. = 4, P = 0.194) over time. This study shows that patellar tendon structure of 16-18-year-old volleyball players is not affected during 5 days of cumulative loading during a volleyball tournament.

Revisiting the continuum model of tendon pathology: what is its merit in clinical practice and research?

The pathogenesis of tendinopathy and the primary biological change in the tendon that precipitates pathology have generated several pathoaetiological models in the literature. The continuum model of tendon pathology, proposed in 2009, synthesised clinical and laboratory-based research to guide treatment choices for the clinical presentations of tendinopathy. While the continuum has been cited extensively in the literature, its clinical utility has yet to be fully elucidated. The continuum model proposed a model for staging tendinopathy based on the changes and distribution of disorganisation within the tendon. However, classifying tendinopathy based on structure in what is primarily a pain condition has been challenged. The interplay between structure, pain and function is not yet fully understood, which has partly contributed to the complex clinical picture of tendinopathy. Here we revisit and assess the merit of the continuum model in the context of new evidence. We (1) summarise new evidence in tendinopathy research in the context of the continuum, (2) discuss tendon pain and the relevance of a model based on structure and (3) describe relevant clinical elements (pain, function and structure) to begin to build a better understanding of the condition. Our goal is that the continuum model may help guide targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.

The plantaris tendon: a narrative review focusing on anatomical features and clinical importance.

In recent years, the plantaris tendon has been implicated in the development of chronic painful mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. In some cases, a thickened plantaris tendon is closely associated with the Achilles tendon, and surgical excision of the plantaris tendon has been reported to be curative in patients who have not derived benefit following conservative treatment and surgical interventions. The aim of this review is to outline the basic aspects of, and the recent research findings, related to the plantaris tendon, covering anatomical and clinical studies including those dealing with histology, imaging and treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1312-19.

Accredited learning--the assessment procedure. How to complete the assessment for the reflective practice module.

1. This assessment is related to the module 'Developing Reflective Practice Skills' published with Professional Nurse October 1993 to January 1994. 2. You can undertake part A of the assessment alone and gain 7.5 level 2 CATS points. This is based on parts 1 and 2 of the module and assesses the module's first learning outcome. 3. Alternatively, you can undertake parts A and B of the assessment, which assess both the module's learning outcomes. 4. These guidelines are for both part A and part B, and include the criteria against which your essay will be marked. 5. The credits you gain from completing the assessment can be used towards a Diploma in Professional Studies (Nursing).

Professional development through distance learning. The Professional Nurse Accredited Learning Scheme.

1. Professional Nurse Accredited Learning Scheme enables nurses to achieve CATS points towards a diploma in higher education. 2. The scheme also helps nurses fulfil their PREP requirements. 3. Each module in the scheme is presented in four parts over four months. 4. Modules are based on specific learning outcomes, tested through a two-part written assessment. 5. Nurses can undertake only part one of the assessment and gain 7.5 level 2 credits, both parts of the assessment and gain 15 level 2 credits, or they can choose not to be assessed and receive no academic credits.

Tendon structure changes after maximal exercise in the Thoroughbred horse: use of ultrasound tissue characterisation to detect in vivo tendon response.

Investigations into the response of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of the Thoroughbred horse to mechanical stimuli have been limited to in vitro cell culture studies focused primarily on gene expression of critical matrix proteins. It is uncertain how well in vitro outcomes translate to the tendon of the horse during exercise. The current study examined changes in tendon structure in response to maximal exercise using ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) to scan the SDFT prior to and after competitive racing. UTC uses contiguous transverse ultrasound images to assess the dynamics of the echopattern, which has a close relationship with changes in the 3-D ultra-structure of the tendon. Using UTC, it was possible to detect subtle changes in the dynamics of the echopattern, with a reduction in pixels that represent aligned and integer collagen tendon bundles on days 1 and 2 post-race when compared to pre-race (P<0.05). The echopattern of these tendons returned to baseline on day 3. This change in echopattern was not seen in control horses. It was concluded that short-term changes in the SDFT following maximal exercise could be detected using UTC.