A1 Journal article (refereed)
Muscle-tendon morphomechanical properties of non-surgically treated Achilles tendon 1-year post-rupture (2022)


Khair, R. M., Stenroth, L., Cronin, N. J., Reito, A., Paloneva, J., & Finni, T. (2022). Muscle-tendon morphomechanical properties of non-surgically treated Achilles tendon 1-year post-rupture. Clinical Biomechanics, 92, Article 105568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105568


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Khair, Ra'ad M.; Stenroth, Lauri; Cronin, Neil J.; Reito, Aleksi; Paloneva, Juha; Finni, Taija

Journal or series: Clinical Biomechanics

ISSN: 0268-0033

eISSN: 1879-1271

Publication year: 2022

Volume: 92

Article number: 105568

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105568

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79546

Publication is parallel published: https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/10594/


Abstract

Background
Achilles tendon rupture appears to alter stiffness and length of the tendon. These alterations may affect the function of tendon in force transmission and in energy storage and recovery. We studied the mechanical properties of the Achilles' tendon post-rupture and their association with function.

Methods
Twenty-four (20 males, 4 females) participants (mean age: 43 y, 176 cm, 81 kg) were recruited. Ultrasonography and dynamometry were used to assess the muscle-tendon unit morphological and mechanical properties of non-surgically treated patients 1-year post rupture.

Findings
Injured tendons were longer with difference of 1.8 cm (95%CI: 0.5–1.9 cm; P < 0.001), and thicker by 0.2 mm (0.2–0.3 mm; P < 0.01). Medial gastrocnemius cross-sectional area was 1.0 cm2 smaller (0.8–1.1 cm2; P < 0.001), fascicles were 0.6 cm shorter (0.5–0.7 cm; P < 0.001) and pennation angle was 2.5° higher (1.3–3.6°; P < 0.001) when compared to the uninjured limb. We found no differences between injured and uninjured tendon stiffness 1-year post-rupture (mean difference: 29.8 N/mm, −7.7–67.3 N/mm; P = 0.170). The injured tendon showed 1.8 mm (1.2–2.4 mm; P < 0.01) lower elongation during maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Patient-reported functional outcome was related to the tendon resting length (β = 0.68, r(10) = 4.079, P = 0.002). Inter-limb differences in the medial gastrocnemius fascicle length were related to inter-limb differences in maximum contractions (β = 1.17, r(14) = 2.808, P = 0.014).

Interpretation
Longer Achilles tendon resting length was associated with poorer self-evaluated functional outcome. Although the stiffness of non-surgically treated and uninjured tendons was similar 1-year post rupture, plantar flexion strength deficit was still present, possibly due to shorter medial gastrocnemius fascicle length.


Keywords: calcaneal tendon; musculoskeletal system; extremities; injuries and disabilities; ultrasonography; stiffness; self-evaluation

Free keywords: Achilles tendon rupture; stiffness; ultrasonography; patient-reported outcomes


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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 21:58