-
1.
Imaging of calcific tendinopathy around the shoulder: usual and unusual presentations and common pitfalls.
Albano, D, Coppola, A, Gitto, S, Rapisarda, S, Messina, C, Sconfienza, LM
La Radiologia medica. 2021;(4):608-619
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) is a very common condition, characterized by calcium deposition over fibrocartilaginous metaplasia of tenocytes, mainly occurring in the supraspinatus tendon. RCCT has a typical imaging presentation: in most cases, calcific deposits appear as a dense opacity around the humeral head on conventional radiography, as hyperechoic foci with or without acoustic shadow at ultrasound and as a signal void at magnetic resonance imaging. However, radiologists have to keep in mind the possible unusual presentations of RCCT and the key imaging features to correctly differentiate RCCT from other RC conditions, such as calcific enthesopathy or RC tears. Other presentations of RCCT to be considered are intrabursal, intraosseous, and intramuscular migration of calcific deposits that may mimic infectious processes or malignancies. While intrabursal and intraosseous migration are quite common, intramuscular migration is an unusual evolution of RCCT. It is important also to know atypical regions affected by calcific tendinopathy as biceps brachii, pectoralis major, and deltoid tendons. Unusual presentations of RCCT may lead to diagnostic challenge and mistakes. The aim of this review is to illustrate the usual and unusual imaging findings of RCCT that radiologists should know to reach the correct diagnosis and to exclude other entities with the purpose of preventing further unnecessary imaging examinations or interventional procedures.
-
2.
Can alternate-day Statin regimen minimize its adverse effects on muscle and tendon? A systematic review.
Muhammad, ZA, Ahmad, T, Baloch, N
JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2019;(7):1006-1013
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review evidence-based data with respect to safety and efficacy of alternate-day statin therapy in dyslipidaemia compared to the standard daily dose. METHODS The literature review was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from July, 2016 to August, 2017. Electronic database search was carried out to compile available literature using PubMed, Excerpta Medica database and Google Scholar. The most relevant evidence-based research articles published over 10 years were selected. The latest search was dated August 03, 2017. RESULTS A total of 2,074 articles were initially located. Alternate day statin regimen was reported in 53% of articles. Adverse effects on muscle and tendon were reported in 69% of articles. After scrutiny, 19(0.9%) studies covering alternate-day statin-mediated muscle and tendon disorders and 9(0.4%) studies encompassing the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of statin-associated muscle and tendon injury were selected. Except pravastatin and lovastatin, alternate-day statin therapy was almost as effective in lowering total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides as the daily dosing with low incidence of muscle toxicity and tends in opathy. CONCLUSIONS Alternate-day statin regimen was found to be very well tolerated and might be an effective and safe remedy in clinical practice.
-
3.
Isometric Contractions Are More Analgesic Than Isotonic Contractions for Patellar Tendon Pain: An In-Season Randomized Clinical Trial.
Rio, E, van Ark, M, Docking, S, Moseley, GL, Kidgell, D, Gaida, JE, van den Akker-Scheek, I, Zwerver, J, Cook, J
Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine. 2017;(3):253-259
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the immediate analgesic effects of 2 resistance programs in in-season athletes with patellar tendinopathy (PT). Resistance training is noninvasive, a principle stimulus for corticospinal and neuromuscular adaptation, and may be analgesic. DESIGN Within-season randomized clinical trial. Data analysis was conducted blinded to group. SETTING Subelite volleyball and basketball competitions. PARTICIPANTS Twenty jumping athletes aged more than 16 years, participating in games/trainings 3 times per week with clinically diagnosed PT. INTERVENTIONS Two quadriceps resistance protocols were compared; (1) isometric leg extension holds at 60 degrees knee flexion (80% of their maximal voluntary isometric contraction) or (2) isotonic leg extension (at 80% of their 8 repetition maximum) 4 times per week for 4 weeks. Time under load and rest between sets was matched between groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) Pain (0-10 numerical rating score) during single leg decline squat (SLDS), measured preintervention and postintervention sessions. (2) VISA-P, a questionnaire about tendon pain and function, completed at baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS Twenty athletes with PT (18 men, mean 22.5 ± 4.7 years) participated (isotonic n = 10, isometric n = 10). Baseline median SLDS pain was 5/10 for both groups (isotonic range 1-8, isometric range 2-8). Isometric contractions produced significantly greater immediate analgesia (P < 0.002). Week one analgesic response positively correlated with improvements in VISA-P at 4 weeks (r = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS Both protocols appear efficacious for in-season athletes to reduce pain, however, isometric contractions demonstrated significantly greater immediate analgesia throughout the 4-week trial. Greater analgesia may increase the ability to load or perform.
-
4.
Acute rotator cuff tendinopathy: does ice, low load isometric exercise, or a combination of the two produce an analgaesic effect?
Parle, PJ, Riddiford-Harland, DL, Howitt, CD, Lewis, JS
British journal of sports medicine. 2017;(3):208-209
-
5.
Tendons Involvement in Congenital Metabolic Disorders.
Abate, M, Salini, V, Andia, I
Advances in experimental medicine and biology. 2016;:117-22
Abstract
Congenital metabolic disorders are consequence of defects involving single genes that code for enzymes. Blocking metabolic pathways, the defect leads to the shortage of essential compounds, and/or to the accumulation of huge quantities of precursors, which interfere with normal functions. Only few of these diseases are characterized by a clinically significant tendon involvement.Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia results from the inheritance of a mutant low-density lipoprotein receptor gene; patients show high cholesterol levels, precocious coronary artery disease, and may develop tendon xanthomata (mainly in Achilles tendon). The detection of xanthomata is important, because it allows an early diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis is a rare genetic metabolic disorder of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, characterized by accumulation of cholestanol in brain and tendons. Tendon abnormalities are similar to those reported in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. Alkaptonuria is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase. Due to the accumulation of the homogentisic acid, tendons and ligaments are characterized by a typical ochre/yellow pigmentation (ochronosis), with ensuing inflammation, calcification and rupture. In Congenital Hypergalactosemia an increased tendon collagen cross-linking by non-enzymatic galactosylation can be observed. Finally, Congenital Hypophosphatasia may be associated to deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in rotator cuff, elbow, and Achilles tendons.
-
6.
Injection therapies for Achilles tendinopathy.
Kearney, RS, Parsons, N, Metcalfe, D, Costa, ML
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2015;(5):CD010960
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition, often with significant functional consequences. As a wide range of injection treatments are available, a review of randomised trials evaluating injection therapies to help inform treatment decisions is warranted. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of injection therapies for people with Achilles tendinopathy. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases up to 20 April 2015: the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. We also searched trial registers (29 May 2014) and reference lists of articles to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating injection therapies in adults with an investigator-reported diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy. We accepted comparison arms of placebo (sham) or no injection control, or other active treatment (such as physiotherapy, pharmaceuticals or surgery). Our primary outcomes were function, using measures such as the VISA-A (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire), and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data from the included studies. We assessed treatment effects using mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous variables and risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs for dichotomous variables. For follow-up data, we defined short-term as up to six weeks, medium-term as up to three months and longer-term as data beyond three months. We performed meta-analysis where appropriate. MAIN RESULTS We included 18 studies (732 participants). Seven trials exclusively studied athletic populations. The mean ages of the participants in the individual trials ranged from 20 years to 50 years. Fifteen trials compared an injection therapy with a placebo injection or no injection control, four trials compared an injection therapy with active treatment, and one compared two different concentrations of the same injection. Thus no trials compared different injection therapies. Two studies had three trial arms and we included them twice in two different categories. Within these categories, we further subdivided injection therapies by mode of action (injury-causing versus direct repair agents).The risk of bias was unclear (due to poor reporting) or high in six trials published between 1987 and 1994. Improved methodology and reporting for the subsequent trials published between 2004 and 2013 meant that these were at less risk of bias.Given the very low quality evidence available from each of four small trials comparing different combinations of injection therapy versus active treatment and the single trial comparing two doses of one injection therapy, only the results of the first comparison (injection therapy versus control) are presented.There is low quality evidence of a lack of significant or clinically important differences in VISA-A scores (0 to 100: best function) between injection therapy and control groups at six weeks (MD 0.79, 95% CI -4.56 to 6.14; 200 participants, five trials), three months (MD -0.94, 95% CI -6.34 to 4.46; 189 participants, five trials) or between six and 12 months (MD 0.14, 95% CI -6.54 to 6.82; 132 participants, three trials). Very low quality evidence from 13 trials showed little difference between the two groups in adverse events (14/243 versus 12/206; RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.89), most of which were minor and short-lasting. The only major adverse event in the injection therapy group was an Achilles tendon rupture, which happened in a trial testing corticosteroid injections. There was very low quality evidence in favour of the injection therapy group in short-term (under three months) pain (219 participants, seven trials) and in the return to sports (335 participants, seven trials). There was very low quality evidence indicating little difference between groups in patient satisfaction with treatment (152 participants, four trials). There was insufficient evidence to conclude on subgroup differences based on mode of action given that only two trials tested injury-causing agents and the clear heterogeneity of the other 13 trials, which tested seven different therapies that act directly on the repair pathway. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence from randomised controlled trials to draw conclusions on the use, or to support the routine use, of injection therapies for treating Achilles tendinopathy. This review has highlighted a need for definitive research in the area of injection therapies for Achilles tendinopathy, including in older non-athletic populations. This review has shown that there is a consensus in the literature that placebo-controlled trials are considered the most appropriate trial design.
-
7.
Wireless Versus Wired Iontophoresis for Treating Patellar Tendinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Rigby, JH, Mortensen, BB, Draper, DO
Journal of athletic training. 2015;(11):1165-73
Abstract
CONTEXT The efficacy of the relatively new wireless iontophoresis patch compared with the traditional wired dose controller is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the differences among 2 iontophoresis drug-delivery systems (wireless patch versus wired dose controller) and a sham treatment in treating patellar tendinopathy. DESIGN Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING Physical therapy clinic. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Thirty-one participants diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy (men = 22, women = 9, age = 24.5 ± 5.9 years). INTERVENTION(S): Participants were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 treatment groups: wireless patch, wired dose controller, or sham treatment. Participants in the active treatment groups received six 80 mA/min iontophoresis treatments using 2 mL of 4% dexamethasone sodium phosphate. During each visit, clinical outcome measures were assessed and then the assigned treatment was applied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical outcome measures were Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, pressure sensitivity, knee-extension force, and sit-to-stand pain assessment using a numeric rating scale. For each clinical outcome measure, we used a repeated-measures analysis of covariance to determine differences among the treatment groups over the treatment period. RESULTS Participants reported a clinically important improvement on the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale across all treatment groups, with no differences among groups (P = .571). A placebo effect was observed with pressure sensitivity (P = .0152); however, the active treatment decreased participants' pain during the sit-to-stand test (P = .042). CONCLUSIONS A placebo effect occurred with the sham treatment group. Generally, improvement was noted in all groups regardless of treatment type, but greater pain reduction during a functional task was evident within the active treatment groups during the sit-to-stand test. The wireless patch and wired dose controller treatments were equivalent across all variables.
-
8.
Isometric exercise induces analgesia and reduces inhibition in patellar tendinopathy.
Rio, E, Kidgell, D, Purdam, C, Gaida, J, Moseley, GL, Pearce, AJ, Cook, J
British journal of sports medicine. 2015;(19):1277-83
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few interventions reduce patellar tendinopathy (PT) pain in the short term. Eccentric exercises are painful and have limited effectiveness during the competitive season. Isometric and isotonic muscle contractions may have an immediate effect on PT pain. METHODS This single-blinded, randomised cross-over study compared immediate and 45 min effects following a bout of isometric and isotonic muscle contractions. Outcome measures were PT pain during the single-leg decline squat (SLDS, 0-10), quadriceps strength on maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and measures of corticospinal excitability and inhibition. Data were analysed using a split-plot in time-repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS 6 volleyball players with PT participated. Condition effects were detected with greater pain relief immediately from isometric contractions: isometric contractions reduced SLDS (mean±SD) from 7.0±2.04 to 0.17±0.41, and isotonic contractions reduced SLDS (mean±SD) from 6.33±2.80 to 3.75±3.28 (p<0.001). Isometric contractions released cortical inhibition (ratio mean±SD) from 27.53%±8.30 to 54.95%±5.47, but isotonic contractions had no significant effect on inhibition (pre 30.26±3.89, post 31.92±4.67; p=0.004). Condition by time analysis showed pain reduction was sustained at 45 min postisometric but not isotonic condition (p<0.001). The mean reduction in pain scores postisometric was 6.8/10 compared with 2.6/10 postisotonic. MVIC increased significantly following the isometric condition by 18.7±7.8%, and was significantly higher than baseline (p<0.001) and isotonic condition (p<0.001), and at 45 min (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A single resistance training bout of isometric contractions reduced tendon pain immediately for at least 45 min postintervention and increased MVIC. The reduction in pain was paralleled by a reduction in cortical inhibition, providing insight into potential mechanisms. Isometric contractions can be completed without pain for people with PT. The clinical implications are that isometric muscle contractions may be used to reduce pain in people with PT without a reduction in muscle strength.
-
9.
Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management of CPP crystal arthritis and BCP arthropathy and periarticular syndromes.
Rosenthal, AK, Ryan, LM
Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America. 2014;(2):343-56
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Calcium crystal arthritis is often unrecognized, poorly managed, and few effective therapies are available. The most common types of calcium crystals causing musculoskeletal syndromes are calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) and basic calcium phosphate (BCP). Associated syndromes have different clinical presentations and divergent management strategies. Acute CPP arthritis is treated similarly to acute gouty arthritis, whereas chronic CPP and BCP arthropathy may respond to strategies used for osteoarthritis. Calcific tendonitis is treated with a variety of interventions designed to dissolve BCP crystals. A better understanding of the causes and larger well-planned trials of current therapies will lead to improved care.
-
10.
Which method is more effective in treatment of calcific tendinitis in the shoulder? Prospective randomized comparison between ultrasound-guided needling and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
Kim, YS, Lee, HJ, Kim, YV, Kong, CG
Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery. 2014;(11):1640-6
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Ultrasound (US)-guided needling with subacromial corticosteroid injection is more effective than extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for function restoration and pain relief in patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. METHODS Fifty-four patients diagnosed with unilateral painful calcific tendinitis were randomly allocated to a US needling or ESWT group. The US needling group underwent US-guided needling and received a subacromial corticosteroid injection. The ESWT group received ESWT 3 times a week. All patients were prospectively evaluated; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, and visual analog scale for pain scores were recorded before the procedure and at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and the last follow-up. The size and morphology of the deposits were evaluated by radiography. RESULTS The average follow-up period was 23.0 months. At last follow-up, the mean size of the deposits was significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .001); it decreased to 0.5 mm from 14.8 mm in the US needling group and to 5.6 mm from 11.0 mm in the ESWT group. There were also significant improvements in clinical outcomes in both groups after treatment (P < .05). At 1-year follow-up, the US needling group had significantly better scores than the ESWT group with regard to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons assessment (90.3 and 74.6, respectively; P = .001), Simple Shoulder Test (83.3 and 70.8, respectively; P = .015), and visual analog scale for pain (1.4 and 3.3, respectively; P = .003).The initial calcium deposit sizes and clinical outcomes were weakly correlated in both groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION Both treatment modalities for calcific tendinitis improved clinical outcomes and eliminated calcium deposits. US-guided needling treatment, however, was more effective in function restoration and pain relief in the short term.