engleski

Value of sonoelastography in assessment of ruptured and contralateral Achilles tendons – prediction of future injuries

Objective: Assessment of mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon after reconstruction using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) has been recently introduced in the clinical practice. It was demonstrated that about 6% of patients with ruptured Achilles tendon experience the rupture of contralateral tendon in the future (1). Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the risk for rupture of contralateral tendon in patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of ruptured Achilles tendon by using subjective questionnaires and ultrasound SWE. Material and methods: Twenty-four patients who underwent surgical repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon and twelve aged matched healthy controls were examined with ultrasound SWE. Functional outcomes were assessed with American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system and subjective rating system which we introduced and validated. Results: The elasticity of injured tendon was markedly decreased (by 42%, P<0.01) compared to contralateral tendon of the patient, as expected. Both AOFAS score and our novel subjective assessment scale positively correlate with ultrasound SWE values in ruptured Achilles tendons. The elasticity of contralateral Achilles tendons in patients was 23% lower than among healthy individuals (P<0.05). Conclusion: Irrespective of the lack of difference in the subjective feeling assessed by AOFAS, the contralateral tendon in the patients with reconstructed Achilles tendon has significantly lower elasticity than healthy individuals. Therefore, contralateral tendons in patients who suffered from rupture are more prone to future ruptures. References: (1) Arøen A, Helgø D, Granlund OG, Bahr R. Contralateral tendon rupture risk is increased in individuals with a previous Achilles tendon rupture. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2004 ; 14:30-3

Achilles tendon, rupture, shear wave elastography

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