The Achilles tendon is frequently injured. Data to support specific treatment strategies for complete and partial tears is inconclusive. Regardless of treatment, patients risk re-rupture and typically have long-term functional deficits. We previously showed that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy improved tendon-to-bone healing in a rat rotator cuff model. This study investigated the effects of PEMF on rat ankle function and Achilles tendon properties after (i) complete Achilles tendon tear and repair with immobilization, (ii) partial Achilles tendon tear without repair and with immobilization, and (iii) partial Achilles tendon tear without repair and without immobilization. We hypothesized that PEMF would improve tendon properties, increase collagen organization, and improve joint function, regardless of injury type. After surgical injury, animals were assigned to a treatment group: (i) no treatment control, (ii) 1 h of PEMF per day, or (iii) 3 h of PEMF per day. Animals were euthanized at 1, 3, and 6 weeks post-injury. Joint mechanics and gait analysis were assessed over time, and fatigue testing and histology were performed at each time point. Results indicate no clear differences in Achilles healing with PEMF treatment. Some decreases in tendon mechanical properties and ankle function suggest PEMF may be detrimental after complete tear. Some early improvements were seen with PEMF after partial tear with immobilization; however, immobilization was found to be a confounding factor. This body of work emphasizes the distinct effects of PEMF on tendon-to-bone healing and supports trialing potential treatment strategies pre-clinically across tendons before applying them clinically. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:70-81, 2020.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jor.24487 | DOI Listing |
Cureus
December 2024
Orthopedics and Traumatology, Unidade Local de Saúde do Nordeste, Macedo de Cavaleiros, PRT.
The plantaris tendon may be absent in some individuals, indicating its unclear function. Anatomically, the plantaris tendon originates from the lateral femoral condyle and has a variable course and insertion point at the calcaneal tuberosity. The plantaris tendon may influence conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, particularly in its midportion, whether by its close relation to the calcaneal tendon or adhesions between both tendons.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Biomech Eng
January 2025
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37235.
Achilles tendon overuse injuries are common for long-distance runners. Ankle exos (exoskeletons and exosuits) are wearable devices that can reduce Achilles tendon loading and could potentially aid in the rehabilitation or prevention of these injuries by helping to mitigate and control tissue loading. However, most ankle exos are confined to controlled lab testing and are not practical to use in real-world running.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMed Sci Sports Exerc
December 2024
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, BELGIUM.
Purpose: Eccentric calf training for Achilles tendinopathy shows variable success in athletes. Recent insights suggest a role for tendon fluid flow (exudation or redistribution) during exercise, which explains post-exercise reductions in thickness and increases in stiffness of the tendon. This fluid flow is thought to be beneficial as it may promote tendon remodeling, reduce intratendinous pressure, and alleviate pain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Damascus University, Damascus 86, Syria.
Gait analysis is crucial for identifying functional deviations from the normal gait cycle and is essential for the individualized treatment of motor disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP). The primary contribution of this study is the introduction of a multimodal fuzzy logic system-based gait index (FLS-GIS), designed to provide numerical scores for gait patterns in both healthy children and those with CP, before and after surgery. This study examines and evaluates the surgical outcomes in children with CP who have undergone Achilles tendon lengthening.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJBJS Essent Surg Tech
January 2025
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.
Background: An all-inside endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer is indicated for the treatment of chronic, full-thickness Achilles tendon defects. The aim of this procedure is to restore function of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex while avoiding the wound complications associated with open procedures.
Description: This procedure can be performed through 2 endoscopic portals, a posteromedial portal (the working portal) and a posterolateral portal (the visualization portal).
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