11 research outputs found
Mechanical properties and UTE-T2* in Patellar tendinopathy:The effect of load magnitude in exercise-based treatment
Lower tendon stiffness in very old compared with old individuals is unaffected by short-term resistance training of skeletal muscle
Lower tendon stiffness in very old compared with old individuals is unaffected by short-term resistance training of skeletal muscle
Heterotopic Ossification After an Achilles Tendon Rupture Cannot Be Prevented by Early Functional Rehabilitation: A Cohort Study
Background Tendon loading might play a role in the development of heterotopic ossification after Achilles tendon ruptures. Early heavy loading on a healing tendon in animals has been shown to prolong the proinflammatory response, and inflammatory cells are thought to drive heterotopic ossification formation. Taken together, this suggests that early rehabilitation might influence heterotopic ossification development. Questions/purposes The purposes of this study were to investigate (1) whether the presence of heterotopic ossification after Achilles tendon ruptures influences clinical outcome and (2) whether early mobilization or weightbearing prevents the development of heterotopic ossification. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 69 patients from a previous clinical trial. All patients were treated surgically, but with three different early rehabilitation protocols after surgery: late weightbearing and ankle immobilization, late weightbearing and ankle mobilization, and early weightbearing and ankle mobilization. Plain radiographs taken 2, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively were analyzed for heterotopic ossification, which was detected in 19% of patients (13 of 69) at 52 weeks. Heterotopic ossification was measured, scored, and correlated to clinical outcomes; heel-raise index (HRI), ankle joint ROM, tendon strain, Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS), and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire scores at 26 and 52 weeks postoperatively. Results Heterotopic ossification had no adverse effects on patient-reported outcomes (ATRS or VISA-A), tendon strain, or ROM. In fact, patients with heterotopic ossification tended to have a better HRI at 52 weeks compared with patients without (mean difference 14% [95% CI -0.2 to 27]; p = 0.053). Neither the occurrence (heterotopic ossification/no heterotopic ossification) nor the heterotopic ossification severity (ossification score) differed between the three rehabilitation groups. Seventeen percent of the patients (four of 24) with early functional rehabilitation (early weightbearing and ankle joint mobilization exercise) had heterotopic ossification (score, 2-3) while late weightbearing and immobilization resulted in heterotopic ossification in 13% of the patients (score, 3-4). Conclusions Heterotopic ossification occurs relatively frequently after Achilles tendon ruptures but appears to have no adverse effects on functional outcomes. Furthermore, heterotopic ossification develops during the first 6 weeks after rupture, and weightbearing or ankle-joint mobilization does not prevent this from occurring
Clinical Outcomes, Structure, and Function Improve With Both Heavy and Moderate Loads in the Treatment of Patellar Tendinopathy:A Randomized Clinical Trial
Persistent functional loss following ruptured Achilles tendon is associated with reduced gastrocnemius muscle fascicle length, elongated gastrocnemius and soleus tendon, and reduced muscle cross‐sectional area
The Ruptured Achilles Tendon Elongates for 6 Months After Surgical Repair Regardless of Early or Late Weightbearing in Combination With Ankle Mobilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Background: Treatment strategies for Achilles tendon rupture vary considerably, and clinical outcome may depend on the magnitude of tendon elongation after surgical repair. The aim of this project was to examine whether tendon elongation, mechanical properties, and functional outcomes during rehabilitation of surgically repaired acute Achilles tendon ruptures were influenced by different rehabilitation regimens during the early postsurgical period. Hypothesis: Restricted early weightbearing that permits only limited motion about the ankle in the early phase of tendon healing limits tendon elongation and improves functional outcome. Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: 75 consecutive patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture were included. They underwent surgical repair, and tantalum beads were placed in the distal and proximal parts of the tendon; thereafter, the patients were randomized into 3 groups. The first group was completely restricted from weightbearing until week 7. The second group was completely restricted from weightbearing until week 7 but performed ankle joint mobilization exercises. The first and second groups were allowed full weightbearing after week 8. The third group was allowed partial weightbearing from day 1 and full weightbearing from week 5. All patients received the same instructions in home exercise guidelines starting from week 9. Results: The rehabilitation regimen in the initial 8 weeks did not significantly influence any of the measured outcomes including tendon elongation. Achilles tendon elongation and tendon compliance continued for up to 6 months after surgery, and muscle strength, muscle endurance, and patient-reported functional scores did not reach normal values at 12 months. Conclusion: Differences in rehabilitation loading pattern in the initial 8 weeks after the repair of an Achilles tendon rupture did not measurably alter the outcome. The time to recover full function after an Achilles tendon rupture is at least 12 months.Funding Agencies|Lundbeck foundation; Nordea Foundation (Center of Healthy Aging); IOC Research Center Sports Medicine Copenhagen; Danish Medical Research Council; Swedish Society for Medical Research</p