Can Achilles tendon xanthoma be distinguished from Achilles tendinopathy using Dixon method MRI? A cross-sectional exploratory study.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition characterized by life-long elevations of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition to life-threatening cardiovascular complications, intratendinous cholesterol deposits (xanthomas) can lead to pain and tendon thickening, particularly in the Achilles. Clinical detection of xanthomas currently relies upon visual assessment and palpation, or ultrasound-based measures of tendon thickening or echotexture.

Mid-term results of a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing large-head metal-on-metal hip replacement to hip resurfacing using patient-reported outcome measures and objective functional task-based outcomes.

Background: The early outcomes of large head-metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) are compromised by adverse local tissue reaction to metal debris. This study is the mid-term follow-up of a prospective randomised control trial (pRCT) comparing MoM THA to MoM HR. We sought to answer whether there was a difference between MoM THA and MoM HR at mid-term follow-up in the implant survival; patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); and when performing objective functional tasks?

Methods: A total of 104 patients were studied.

The Influence of Maturity Status on Muscle Architecture in School-Aged Boys.

Purpose: To determine the differences in muscle architecture of the lower limb in pre-peak height velocity (PHV), circa-PHV, and post-PHV boys.

Method: Muscle architecture variables from both the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and vastus lateralis (VL) were derived from ultrasonographic images in 126 school-aged boys. One-way analysis of variance using Bonferroni post hoc comparisons was employed to determine between-group differences, and effect sizes were calculated to establish the magnitude of these differences.

Transverse tendon stiffness is reduced in people with Achilles tendinopathy: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The objective of the current cross-sectional study was to examine Achilles tendon transverse stiffness in a group of recreational runners with Achilles tendinopathy, in comparison to an asymptomatic group of runners with similar training history. We also aimed to determine the between-week intra-individual reliability of this measurement technique.

Design: Cross-sectional cohort study.

Feasibility of using a hand-held device to characterize tendon tissue biomechanics.

Objectives: To examine the feasibility of using the MyotonPRO digital palpation device in measuring the transverse stiffness of tendon tissue.

Design: Experimental study.

Methods: The MyotonPRO was used to measure the stiffness and related properties of ballistics gel in comparison with an external materials testing system (PCB electronics).

Can Shockwave Therapy Improve Tendon Metabolism?

Shockwave treatments are commonly used in the management of tendon injuries and there is increasing evidence for its clinical effectiveness. There is a paucity of fundamental (in vivo) studies investigating the biological action of shockwave therapy. Destruction of calcifications, pain relief and mechanotransduction-initiated tissue regeneration and remodeling of the tendon are considered to be the most important working mechanisms.

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy: a systematic review.

Background: There is accumulating evidence for the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) when treating lower limb tendinopathies including greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), patellar tendinopathy (PT), and Achilles tendinopathy (AT).

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of ESWT for lower limb tendinopathies.

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.