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Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2015Multiple meta-analyses have been published in efforts to determine whether operative or nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures affords superior outcomes. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple meta-analyses have been published in efforts to determine whether operative or nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures affords superior outcomes.
PURPOSE
To perform a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses comparing operative and nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures to determine which meta-analyses provide the highest level of evidence for treatment recommendations.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify meta-analyses that fit the study inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from these meta-analyses regarding patient outcomes and reruptures. Meta-analysis quality was assessed using the Oxman-Guyatt and QUOROM (Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses) systems. The Jadad algorithm was applied to determine the meta-analyses with the highest level of evidence.
RESULTS
Nine meta-analyses met the eligibility criteria, with all but 1 study including level 1 evidence. A total of 5842 patients were included. Seven studies found a higher rate of rerupture in the nonoperative group but a higher rate of complications in the operative group. One study found no differences in rerupture or complication rates, and 1 study found surgery decreased rerupture rates only when compared with nonoperative treatment without a functional brace. Three studies also identified an earlier return to work in the operative group. Almost all (8 of 9) of the meta-analyses had Oxman-Guyatt scores >3, indicating no major flaws.
CONCLUSION
Operative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures decreases rerupture rates but increases the risk for minor complications when compared with nonoperative treatment. Additionally, surgical treatment may allow earlier return to work.
PubMed: 26665055
DOI: 10.1177/2325967115579188 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Dec 2022This systematic review aims to summarise the outcomes of gastrocnemius release in the management of Achilles Tendinopathy. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to summarise the outcomes of gastrocnemius release in the management of Achilles Tendinopathy.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A computer-based search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, Scopus and ISI Web of Science. Two independent reviewers performed both title/abstract and full-text screening according to a-priori selection criteria. English-language original research studies reporting outcomes for gastrocnemius recession in patients with Achilles tendinopathy were included. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the MINORS criteria.
RESULTS
Of the 229 articles identified following database searching, nine studies describing 145 cases of gastrocnemius recession were included in the review. Clinically important differences were reported across a range of validated patient reported outcome scores including VISA-A, FFI, FAAM and VAS pain score. Outcomes appear to be superior in patients with noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy, however further research is required to confirm this. Studies also reported an increase in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and a good rate of return to sport/work. The overall complication rate was 10/123 (8.1%), with sural nerve injury being the most common complication, occurring in 5/123 (4.1%) of cases.
CONCLUSION
The results of this review suggest gastrocnemius release to be an effective treatment option in the management of patients with Achilles tendinopathy, who have gastrocnemius contracture and have previously failed to respond adequately to non-operative treatment.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV.
Topics: Humans; Achilles Tendon; Tendinopathy; Muscle, Skeletal; Contracture; Orthopedic Procedures
PubMed: 35821527
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-07039-7 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2016A number of meta-analyses have been carried out to evaluate the effects of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery (OS) for acute Achilles tendon rupture.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A number of meta-analyses have been carried out to evaluate the effects of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open surgery (OS) for acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, discordant findings were seen in these meta-analyses. The present study, performing a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses regarding MIS versus OS of acute Achilles tendon rupture, aimed to assist decision-makers interpret and choose among conflicting meta-analyses, as well as to offer treatment recommendations based on current best evidence.
METHODS
The literature search was performed to identify systematic reviews comparing MIS with OS for Achilles tendon rupture. Meta-analyses only comprising randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Two authors individually evaluated the quality of meta-analysis and extracted data. The Jadad decision algorithm was conducted to ascertain which meta-analysis offered the best evidence.
RESULTS
A total of four meta-analyses was included. All these meta-analyses comprised RCTs or quasi-RCTs and were determined as Level-II evidence. The scores of the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) ranged from 7 to 10 (median 9.5). The Jadad algorithm indicated that the best meta-analysis should be chosen according to the search strategies and application of selection. A high-quality meta-analysis with more RCTs was chosen, which suggested that there was no statistically significant difference between MIS and OS regarding rerupture rate, tissue adhesion, sural nerve injury, deep infection, and deep vein thrombosis. However, MIS could decrease superficial infection rate, and had a better patient satisfaction for good to excellent outcomes in comparison to OS.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the best available evidence, MIS may be superior to OS for treating acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, due to some limitations, this should be cautiously interpreted, and further high-quality studies are needed.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Algorithms; Humans; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rupture
PubMed: 27266275
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-016-0401-2 -
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 2022Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a debilitating injury in athletes, especially for those engaged in repetitive stretch-shortening cycle activities. Clinical risk factors... (Review)
Review
Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a debilitating injury in athletes, especially for those engaged in repetitive stretch-shortening cycle activities. Clinical risk factors are numerous, but it has been suggested that altered biomechanics might be associated with AT. No systematic review has been conducted investigating these biomechanical alterations in specifically athletic populations. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to compare the lower-limb biomechanics of athletes with AT to athletically matched asymptomatic controls. Databases were searched for relevant studies investigating biomechanics during gait activities and other motor tasks such as hopping, isolated strength tasks, and reflex responses. Inclusion criteria for studies were an AT diagnosis in at least one group, cross-sectional or prospective data, at least one outcome comparing biomechanical data between an AT and healthy group, and athletic populations. Studies were excluded if patients had Achilles tendon rupture/surgery, participants reported injuries other than AT, and when only within-subject data was available.. Effect sizes (Cohen's ) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for relevant outcomes. The initial search yielded 4,442 studies. After screening, twenty studies (775 total participants) were synthesised, reporting on a wide range of biomechanical outcomes. Females were under-represented and patients in the AT group were three years older on average. Biomechanical alterations were identified in some studies during running, hopping, jumping, strength tasks and reflex activity. Equally, several biomechanical variables studied were not associated with AT in included studies, indicating a conflicting picture. Kinematics in AT patients appeared to be altered in the lower limb, potentially indicating a pattern of "medial collapse". Muscular activity of the calf and hips was different between groups, whereby AT patients exhibited greater calf electromyographic amplitudes despite lower plantar flexor strength. Overall, dynamic maximal strength of the plantar flexors, and isometric strength of the hips might be reduced in the AT group. This systematic review reports on several biomechanical alterations in athletes with AT. With further research, these factors could potentially form treatment targets for clinicians, although clinical approaches should take other contributing health factors into account. The studies included were of low quality, and currently no solid conclusions can be drawn.
PubMed: 36685067
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1012471 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Translation Mar 2020The role of macrophages (Mφs) in tendon injury healing is controversy. The aims of this study were to determine whether there is a shift in Mφs polarisation after an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The role of macrophages (Mφs) in tendon injury healing is controversy. The aims of this study were to determine whether there is a shift in Mφs polarisation after an acute and chronic tendon injury and to assess whether the Mφs polarisation between the partial and complete rupture is different.
METHODS
This systematic review of the scientific literature was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Cochrane guidelines. PubMed database and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) were used for specific search criteria. Only studies measuring Mφs using specific cell markers in Achilles tendon tissue and rotator cuff tendon tissue were included, respectively.
RESULTS
Five Achilles tendon injury studies and four rotator cuff injury studies were included. Expression of the pan Mϕs marker Cluster of Differentiation (CD) 68 was significantly upregulated in acute Achilles tendon ruptures compared to intact tendons, while no significant changes were found in Mφs polarisation markers CD80 (M1 Mφs) and CD206 (M2 Mφs). High levels of CD86 (M1 Mφs) and CD206 were observed in acute partial rupture. Expression of CD68 and CD206 were significantly upregulated in chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy and downregulated as structural failure increases. A low level of CD206 was observed in complete tendon rupture regardless of acute or chronic injury.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
In spite of the limited number of articles included, findings from this study suggested that the process of inflammation plays an important role in acute Achilles tendon injuries, indicated by the increased expression of CD68+ Mφs. Low levels of CD206+ Mφs were constantly observed in complete Achilles tendon rupture, while high levels of CD80+ Mφs and CD206+ Mφs were observed in partial Achilles tendon rupture, which suggested the potential correlation between M2 Mφs and tendon structure. For chronic rotator cuff injury, CD68+ Mφs and CD206+ Mφs were higher in tendinopathic tissues in comparison to the intact control tissues. Both CD68+ Mφs and CD206+ Mφs has an inverse relation to the structural failure in the torn rotator cuff tendon. After tendon rupture, the time point of biopsy specimen collection is an important factor, which could occur in the acute phase or chronic phase. Collectively, the understanding of the roles in Mφs after tendon injury is inadequate, and more research efforts should be devoted to this direction.
THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE
This article provided a potential implication on how pan Mφs or M2 Mφs might be associated with ruptured or torn tendon structure. Managing Mφs numbers and phenotypes may lead to possible novel therapeutic approaches to the management of early tendinopathy, early acute tendon rupture, hence, promote healing after restoration surgery.
PubMed: 32071872
DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2019.11.009 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Feb 2022Foot and ankle pain is common, and generally viewed through a biomedical lens rather than applying a biopsychosocial model. The objectives of this review were to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Foot and ankle pain is common, and generally viewed through a biomedical lens rather than applying a biopsychosocial model. The objectives of this review were to evaluate: (1) the psychosocial characteristics of participants with foot/ankle pain compared to participants without foot/ankle pain; (2) the association between psychosocial factors with pain and function in people with foot/ankle pain; and (3) understand the psychosocial factors associated with the lived experience of foot/ankle pain.
METHODS
A mixed methods systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews. The databases MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsychInfo, and Scopus were searched. The Mixed Methods Assessment Tool was used to evaluate study quality. A convergent segregated approach was used to synthesise and integrate quantitative and qualitative data.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies were included, consisting of 13 quantitative, 4 qualitative and 1 mixed methods study. The overall quality of the studies was considered high. Integration of the quantitative and qualitative data were not possible due to the disparate nature of the included studies. A narrative synthesis of the quantitative data revealed that negative emotional and cognitive factors were more common in people with foot/ankle pain compared to those without foot/ankle pain. A significant association was also found between emotional distress with foot pain and foot function in some people with plantar heel pain. In addition, kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising were significantly associated with impaired foot function, and pain catastrophising was significantly associated with first step pain in people with plantar heel pain. The qualitative data revealed emotional impacts, physical challenges, and a loss of self which was individual and unpredictable.
CONCLUSIONS
This review provides evidence that negative psychological constructs are greater in participants with foot/ankle pain compared to those without foot/ankle pain, although the cross-sectional nature of the study designs included in this review reduces the certainty of the evidence. These findings indicate that psychological constructs are associated with foot/ankle pain. Further research should evaluate the predictive ability of multidimensional screening tools to identify patients at risk of developing persistent foot/ankle pain.
Topics: Ankle; Cross-Sectional Studies; Foot Diseases; Humans; Pain; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 35115024
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-021-00506-3 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Oct 2023After four weeks from injury, tears of the Achilles tendon are considered chronic. Their management is challenging, and the use of a graft is suggested when the gap... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
After four weeks from injury, tears of the Achilles tendon are considered chronic. Their management is challenging, and the use of a graft is suggested when the gap between proximal and distal stumps is greater than 6 cm. The present study systematically reviews the outcome of free tendon grafts in chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon, evaluating clinical outcomes, complications and return to sport.
METHODS
The present study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science databases were accessed in February 2023. All the published clinical studies reporting clinical outcome, return to sport and complications of free tendon grafts used the treatment of chronic rupture of the midportion of the Achilles Tendon were accessed. The mean CMS (Coleman Methodology Score) of 65.7 suggested an overall good quality of the available published articles, attesting to the low risk of bias.
RESULTS
Data from 22 articles (368 patients with a mean age of 47 years) were retrieved. The average time from rupture to surgery was 25.1 week. At last follow-up, the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery) and ATRS (Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score) scores improved of 33.8 (P = 0.0004), and 45.1 points (P = 0.0001) respectively. Return to activity was reported in 105 patients, and 82 (78.1%) had no activity limitations, while 19 (18.1%) had limited recreational but not daily activity limitations, and 4 (3.8%) reported limitations in daily activities. Return to sport data was reported in six studies, and 45 of 93 (48.4%) patients returned to sport at an average of 22.6 weeks.
CONCLUSION
In chronic tears of the Achilles tendon, with a gap of at least 6 cm, free tendon grafts allow predictable return to sport and acceptable recovery function.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Achilles Tendon; Treatment Outcome; Tendon Injuries; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Sports; Rupture; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37193823
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-023-07446-4 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Apr 2021The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of undisclosed financial conflicts of interest in Achilles tendon rupture repair-focused systematic reviews.
BACKGROUND
The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of undisclosed financial conflicts of interest in Achilles tendon rupture repair-focused systematic reviews.
METHODS
Following a cross-sectional study design, we searched MEDLINE and Embase for Achilles tendon rupture repair systematic reviews. We performed screening and data extraction in a blind, triplicate fashion. Each systematic review was evaluated on the individual characteristics of the study, presence of undisclosed and disclosed conflicts of interest, favorability of results and conclusions, and the relationship between conflicts of interest and the favorability of results and conclusions.
RESULTS
Our search produced 172 total systematic reviews pertaining to Achilles tendon rupture repair; of those, only 12 were included in our study. Undisclosed conflicts of interest were found in half (6/12) of the included reviews. However, no significant association was found between conflict of interest and the favorability of results and conclusions.
CONCLUSION
Undisclosed conflicts of interests were discovered in a large percentage of our sample. This lack of disclosure did not appear to increase the likelihood of the systematic review results or conclusions reporting favorability of the intervention being investigated.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level II.
PubMed: 35097455
DOI: 10.1177/24730114211019725 -
Journal of Xenobiotics May 2023Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are not FDA approved, and obtaining SARMs for personal use is illegal. Nevertheless, SARM use is increasingly popular... (Review)
Review
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are not FDA approved, and obtaining SARMs for personal use is illegal. Nevertheless, SARM use is increasingly popular amongst recreational athletes. Recent case reports of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and tendon rupture raise serious concerns for the safety of recreational SARM users. On 10 November 2022 PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies that reported safety data of SARMs. A multi-tiered screening approach was utilized, and any study or case report of generally healthy individuals exposed to any SARM was included. Thirty-three studies were included in the review with 15 case reports or case series and 18 clinical trials (total patients N = 2136 patients, exposed to SARM N = 1447). There were case reports of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) (N = 15), Achilles tendon rupture (N = 1), rhabdomyolysis (N = 1), and mild reversible liver enzyme elevation (N = 1). Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was commonly reported in clinical trials in patients exposed to SARM (mean 7.1% across trials). Two individuals exposed to GSK2881078 in a clinical trial were reported to have rhabdomyolysis. Recreational SARM use should be strongly discouraged, and the risks of DILI, rhabdomyolysis, and tendon rupture should be emphasized. However, despite warnings, if a patient refuses to discontinue SARM use, ALT monitoring or dose reduction may improve early detection and prevention of DILI.
PubMed: 37218811
DOI: 10.3390/jox13020017 -
Biomedicines Apr 2024Achilles tendon (AT) pathologies are common musculoskeletal conditions that can significantly impair function. Despite various traditional treatments, recovery is often... (Review)
Review
Achilles tendon (AT) pathologies are common musculoskeletal conditions that can significantly impair function. Despite various traditional treatments, recovery is often slow and may not restore full functionality. The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option due to their role in cell signaling and tissue regeneration. This systematic review aims to consolidate current in vivo animal study findings on the therapeutic effects of EVs on AT injuries. An extensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases for in vivo animal studies examining the effects of EVs on AT pathologies. The extracted variables included but were not limited to the study design, type of EVs used, administration methods, efficacy of treatment, and proposed therapeutic mechanisms. After screening, 18 studies comprising 800 subjects were included. All but one study reported that EVs augmented wound healing processes in the AT. The most proposed mechanisms through which this occurred were gene regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the enhancement of macrophage polarization, and the delivery of therapeutic microRNAs to the injury site. Further research is warranted to not only explore the therapeutic potential of EVs in the context of AT pathologies, but also to establish protocols for their clinical application.
PubMed: 38790904
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050942