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01-04-2021 | Achilles Tendon Rupture | Original Paper

Importance of shear-wave elastography in prediction of Achilles tendon rupture

Authors: Gordana Ivanac, Domagoj Lemac, Vilma Kosovic, Kristina Bojanic, Tomislav Cengic, Ivo Dumic-Cule, Marko Pecina, Boris Brkljacic

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Purpose

It was demonstrated that about 6% of patients with a ruptured Achilles tendon experience the rupture of contralateral tendon in the future; 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 shear-wave elastography.

Methods

Twenty-four patients who underwent surgical repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon and twelve age-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%) compared to the 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.

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 stiffness than healthy individuals. Therefore, contralateral tendons in patients who suffered from rupture are more prone to future ruptures.

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Title: Importance of shear-wave elastography in prediction of Achilles tendon rupture
Authors: Gordana Ivanac
Domagoj Lemac
Vilma Kosovic
Kristina Bojanic
Tomislav Cengic
Ivo Dumic-Cule
Marko Pecina
Boris Brkljacic
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04670-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Importance of shear-wave elastography in prediction of Achilles tendon rupture

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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