Vittorino Testa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Vittorino Testa
Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific... more Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific literature. ISMuLT, the "Italian Society of Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons", in line with its multidisciplinary mission, is proud to cover this gap.
Journal of Orthopaedic Science, Feb 1, 2001
We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) ... more We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) on the Achilles tendon of rats. Five groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (n ϭ 24 each) were studied. Groups 1 to 4 received weekly peritendinous injections. In group 1, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 in 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl and the contralateral side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 2, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 . In group 3, one side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 4, a syringe needle was inserted in the peritenon unilaterally, but no substances were administered. In groups 2, 3, and 4, the contralateral tendon was used as the control. In group 5, treatment was not administered. Eight rats in each group were killed at each time point, after 7, 21, and 35 days of treatment. On day 7, values for average water content and average wet weight of the tendons treated with PGE 1 were significantly higher than those in the control tendons (analysis of variance [ANOVA]; P ϭ 0.02), with a histological picture of acute inflammation. On day 21, approximately half of the PGE 1 -treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intratendinous degeneration, with the other half still showing a picture of acute inflammation. On day 35, all of the PGE 1treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intra-tendinous degeneration. At all time points, there was no evidence of pathology in the tendons that had not received PGE 1 . Sham peritendinous injections and injections of normal saline did not produce inflammation in the Achilles tendons. Initially, local administration of PGE 1 produced acute inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding tissues. Prolonged PGE 1 administration produced peri-and intra-tendinous degeneration, providing a cheap, reproducible model of Achilles tendinopathy, which would allow studies of the effects of conservative and surgical management of the condition.
Translational medicine @ UniSa
Muscle injuries are frequent in athletes. Despite their high incidence, advances in clinical diag... more Muscle injuries are frequent in athletes. Despite their high incidence, advances in clinical diagnostic criteria and imaging, their optimal management and rehabilitation strategies are still debated in literature. Furthermore, reinjury rate is high after a muscle lesion, and an improper treatment or an early return to sports can increase the rate of reinjury and complications. Most muscle injuries are managed conservatively with excellent results, and surgery is normally advocated only for larger tears. This article reviews the current literature to provide physicians and rehabilitation specialists with the necessary basic tools to diagnose, classify and to treat muscle injuries. Based on anatomy, biomechanics, and imaging features of muscle injury, the use of a recently reported new classification system is also advocated.
Canadian journal of sport sciences = Journal canadien des sciences du sport, 1991
The effects of spinal anaesthesia were investigated in 67 sportspersons and in 128 sedentary pati... more The effects of spinal anaesthesia were investigated in 67 sportspersons and in 128 sedentary patients (average age 31.8 +/- 6.2 yrs). The most frequent complaint in both groups was mild low back pain (27 cases vs. 58). Postspinal headache was severe and disabling, with an incidence of 13.4% in the sportspersons and 21.1% in the sedentary group. The sedentary group also showed a higher incidence of other postanaesthetic problems. Given the high rate of side effects, the young age of the subjects, and their desire to resume work as soon as possible after the operation, spinal anaesthesia is not the best anaesthetic procedure for this age group.
Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal, 2013
Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific... more Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific literature. ISMuLT, the "Italian Society of Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons", in line with its multidisciplinary mission, is proud to cover this gap.
The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume, 1996
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 1993
Maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold (AT), isometric strength of the elbow flexor and knee ... more Maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold (AT), isometric strength of the elbow flexor and knee extensor muscles, isometric strength endurance exhaustion time (prolonged contraction at 66% of maximal isometric strength), uphill sprinting exhaustion time were longitudinally studied in eight varsity endurance runners with post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). Prolonged impairment of exercise performance is evident during the course of PVFS. Although maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) had returned to pre-infection values 13 months after the viral illness (4.160 vs 4.0 L.min-1), AT was still significantly reduced [52 ml.kg-1.min-1, 18.6 km.hr-1, 176 bpm, and 82% of VO2max vs. 49.1 ml.kg-1.min-1 (p < 0.05), 175 bpm (NS), 17.2 km.hr-1 (p < 0.01) and 79% of VO2max (NS)]. Maximal isometric contraction strength of the upper limb remained constant (282 N vs. 274 N), while knee extensor muscles strength decreased significantly (730 N vs. 701 N, p < 0.05). Strength endurance was still signi...
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 1994
Twenty middle aged endurance runners underwent physiological testing to determine their maximal o... more Twenty middle aged endurance runners underwent physiological testing to determine their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), lactate threshold, ventilatory threshold, the slope variation point (SVP) of the linear relationship between running speed (RS) and heart rate (HR) both on the treadmill and during a field test, and the onset of blood lactate accumulation point. The RS, HR, VO2 and blood lactate concentration at which the different thresholds occurred were highly correlated (0.70 < r < 0.95; p < 0.01). The various indices of aerobic-anaerobic transition in the master athletes examined were shown to occur at a comparable percentage of their VO2max as compared to their younger counterparts. The tests developed for, and commonly used in adult athletes, are equally valid in this age group.
The Journal of foot surgery
Bilateral percutaneous muscle biopsies of the triceps surae were analyzed in 12 athletes who had ... more Bilateral percutaneous muscle biopsies of the triceps surae were analyzed in 12 athletes who had sustained a one-sided subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon while practicing their main sport. No necrosis, atrophy, or significant fiber grouping or regeneration was evident. The soleus muscle in these athletes was composed of approximately 70% of type I fibers in both the noninjured and injured sides, and no significant differences were detected in their histochemical composition. Fiber areas were within described values and not significantly different between the two sides. The noninjured side revealed an insignificant trend to greater average capillary density and average capillary/fiber ratio. Muscle abnormalities do not appear to be a significant factor in determining Achilles tendon rupture in healthy athletes.
Archivio "Putti" di chirurgia degli organi di movimento, 1990
On the basis of evidence of the considerable damage caused by proteolytic enzymes in cases of deg... more On the basis of evidence of the considerable damage caused by proteolytic enzymes in cases of degenerative arthritis, the authors propose the intra-articular introduction of an inhibitor of these enzymes (aprotinine). Both the immediate and long-term results of this therapy are very promising from a clinical standpoint. This drug not only acted on the symptoms of pain and stiffness, but also blocked the degeneration and consequent cell damage, restoring physiological homeostasis. Considering its high tolerability and absence of side effects, this drug represents a significant turning point in the treatment of degenerative joint disease, with results that are strikingly superior to those achieved with commonly used infiltrative drugs.
Acta orthopaedica Belgica, 1992
Quantitative measurement of spinal deformity is the preliminary step in order to plan a therapeut... more Quantitative measurement of spinal deformity is the preliminary step in order to plan a therapeutic regimen. The most commonly used methods and, for this matter, practically any measurement methods, may have several sources of errors, namely: a. errors in taking a radiograph; b. errors intrinsic to the measurement method; c. errors due to anatomical deformity of the vertebrae; d. observer errors in measurement technique. These are discussed, and suggestions are given to minimize them.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Achilles Tendon Disorders in Clinical Practice, 2012
... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Fili... more ... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Filippo Spiezia, Umile Giuseppe Longo, and Nicola Maffulli 36 36.1 Introduction ... 11. Nelen G, Martens M, Burssens A. Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinitis. Am J Sports Med. ...
Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, 2010
... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Fili... more ... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Filippo Spiezia, Umile Giuseppe Longo, and Nicola Maffulli 36 36.1 Introduction ... 11. Nelen G, Martens M, Burssens A. Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinitis. Am J Sports Med. ...
Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery, 2006
Journal of Orthopaedic Science, 2001
We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) ... more We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) on the Achilles tendon of rats. Five groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (n ϭ 24 each) were studied. Groups 1 to 4 received weekly peritendinous injections. In group 1, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 in 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl and the contralateral side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 2, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 . In group 3, one side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 4, a syringe needle was inserted in the peritenon unilaterally, but no substances were administered. In groups 2, 3, and 4, the contralateral tendon was used as the control. In group 5, treatment was not administered. Eight rats in each group were killed at each time point, after 7, 21, and 35 days of treatment. On day 7, values for average water content and average wet weight of the tendons treated with PGE 1 were significantly higher than those in the control tendons (analysis of variance [ANOVA]; P ϭ 0.02), with a histological picture of acute inflammation. On day 21, approximately half of the PGE 1 -treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intratendinous degeneration, with the other half still showing a picture of acute inflammation. On day 35, all of the PGE 1treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intra-tendinous degeneration. At all time points, there was no evidence of pathology in the tendons that had not received PGE 1 . Sham peritendinous injections and injections of normal saline did not produce inflammation in the Achilles tendons. Initially, local administration of PGE 1 produced acute inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding tissues. Prolonged PGE 1 administration produced peri-and intra-tendinous degeneration, providing a cheap, reproducible model of Achilles tendinopathy, which would allow studies of the effects of conservative and surgical management of the condition.
Rheumatology, 1990
Chronic arthritis, whether primary or reactive, is an unusual manifestation of long standing tube... more Chronic arthritis, whether primary or reactive, is an unusual manifestation of long standing tuberculosis. We described the case of a 16-year-old gymnast with tuberculous rheumatism (Poncet's disease) secondary to Pott's disease of the dorsal spine. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 1999
... Accepted for publication September 1998. ... is inserted parallel to the long axis of the ten... more ... Accepted for publication September 1998. ... is inserted parallel to the long axis of the tendon fibers in the center of the area of tendinopathy, with the ... Preliminary cadaveric studies and experience with a similar procedure in the Achilles tendon showed that a tenotomy 2.8 cm long ...
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2004
To ascertain whether there are differences in the histopathological appearance of tendinopathic A... more To ascertain whether there are differences in the histopathological appearance of tendinopathic Achilles and patellar tendons. In males, we studied biopsies from tendinopathic Achilles (N = 28; average age 34.1 yr) and patellar tendons (N = 28; average age 32.1), Achilles tendons (N = 21; average age 61.8 yr) from deceased patients with no known tendon pathology, and patellar tendons (N = 15; average age 28.3) from patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Hematoxylineosin stained slides were interpreted using a semiquantitative grading scale (0: normal to 3: maximally abnormal) for fiber structure, fiber arrangement, rounding of the nuclei, regional variations in cellularity, increased vascularity, decreased collagen stainability, and hyalinization. All slides were assessed blindly twice, the agreement between two readings ranging from 0.170 to 0.750 (kappa statistics). The highest mean score of tendinopathic Achilles tendons was not significantly different from that of tendinopathic patellar tendons (11.6 +/- 5 and 10.4 +/- 3, respectively). The ability to differentiate between an Achilles tendon and a patellar tendon was low. Tendinopathic Achilles and patellar tendons show a similar histological picture. It was not possible to identify whether a specimen had been harvested from an Achilles or a patellar tendon on the basis of histological examination. The general pattern of degeneration was common to both tendinopathic Achilles and patellar tendons. A common, as yet unidentified, etiopathological mechanism may have acted on both these tendon populations.
Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific... more Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific literature. ISMuLT, the "Italian Society of Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons", in line with its multidisciplinary mission, is proud to cover this gap.
Journal of Orthopaedic Science, Feb 1, 2001
We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) ... more We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) on the Achilles tendon of rats. Five groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (n ϭ 24 each) were studied. Groups 1 to 4 received weekly peritendinous injections. In group 1, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 in 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl and the contralateral side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 2, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 . In group 3, one side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 4, a syringe needle was inserted in the peritenon unilaterally, but no substances were administered. In groups 2, 3, and 4, the contralateral tendon was used as the control. In group 5, treatment was not administered. Eight rats in each group were killed at each time point, after 7, 21, and 35 days of treatment. On day 7, values for average water content and average wet weight of the tendons treated with PGE 1 were significantly higher than those in the control tendons (analysis of variance [ANOVA]; P ϭ 0.02), with a histological picture of acute inflammation. On day 21, approximately half of the PGE 1 -treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intratendinous degeneration, with the other half still showing a picture of acute inflammation. On day 35, all of the PGE 1treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intra-tendinous degeneration. At all time points, there was no evidence of pathology in the tendons that had not received PGE 1 . Sham peritendinous injections and injections of normal saline did not produce inflammation in the Achilles tendons. Initially, local administration of PGE 1 produced acute inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding tissues. Prolonged PGE 1 administration produced peri-and intra-tendinous degeneration, providing a cheap, reproducible model of Achilles tendinopathy, which would allow studies of the effects of conservative and surgical management of the condition.
Translational medicine @ UniSa
Muscle injuries are frequent in athletes. Despite their high incidence, advances in clinical diag... more Muscle injuries are frequent in athletes. Despite their high incidence, advances in clinical diagnostic criteria and imaging, their optimal management and rehabilitation strategies are still debated in literature. Furthermore, reinjury rate is high after a muscle lesion, and an improper treatment or an early return to sports can increase the rate of reinjury and complications. Most muscle injuries are managed conservatively with excellent results, and surgery is normally advocated only for larger tears. This article reviews the current literature to provide physicians and rehabilitation specialists with the necessary basic tools to diagnose, classify and to treat muscle injuries. Based on anatomy, biomechanics, and imaging features of muscle injury, the use of a recently reported new classification system is also advocated.
Canadian journal of sport sciences = Journal canadien des sciences du sport, 1991
The effects of spinal anaesthesia were investigated in 67 sportspersons and in 128 sedentary pati... more The effects of spinal anaesthesia were investigated in 67 sportspersons and in 128 sedentary patients (average age 31.8 +/- 6.2 yrs). The most frequent complaint in both groups was mild low back pain (27 cases vs. 58). Postspinal headache was severe and disabling, with an incidence of 13.4% in the sportspersons and 21.1% in the sedentary group. The sedentary group also showed a higher incidence of other postanaesthetic problems. Given the high rate of side effects, the young age of the subjects, and their desire to resume work as soon as possible after the operation, spinal anaesthesia is not the best anaesthetic procedure for this age group.
Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal, 2013
Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific... more Muscle injuries are frequent in high demand sports. No guidelines are available in the scientific literature. ISMuLT, the "Italian Society of Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons", in line with its multidisciplinary mission, is proud to cover this gap.
The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume, 1996
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 1993
Maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold (AT), isometric strength of the elbow flexor and knee ... more Maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold (AT), isometric strength of the elbow flexor and knee extensor muscles, isometric strength endurance exhaustion time (prolonged contraction at 66% of maximal isometric strength), uphill sprinting exhaustion time were longitudinally studied in eight varsity endurance runners with post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). Prolonged impairment of exercise performance is evident during the course of PVFS. Although maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) had returned to pre-infection values 13 months after the viral illness (4.160 vs 4.0 L.min-1), AT was still significantly reduced [52 ml.kg-1.min-1, 18.6 km.hr-1, 176 bpm, and 82% of VO2max vs. 49.1 ml.kg-1.min-1 (p < 0.05), 175 bpm (NS), 17.2 km.hr-1 (p < 0.01) and 79% of VO2max (NS)]. Maximal isometric contraction strength of the upper limb remained constant (282 N vs. 274 N), while knee extensor muscles strength decreased significantly (730 N vs. 701 N, p < 0.05). Strength endurance was still signi...
The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 1994
Twenty middle aged endurance runners underwent physiological testing to determine their maximal o... more Twenty middle aged endurance runners underwent physiological testing to determine their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), lactate threshold, ventilatory threshold, the slope variation point (SVP) of the linear relationship between running speed (RS) and heart rate (HR) both on the treadmill and during a field test, and the onset of blood lactate accumulation point. The RS, HR, VO2 and blood lactate concentration at which the different thresholds occurred were highly correlated (0.70 < r < 0.95; p < 0.01). The various indices of aerobic-anaerobic transition in the master athletes examined were shown to occur at a comparable percentage of their VO2max as compared to their younger counterparts. The tests developed for, and commonly used in adult athletes, are equally valid in this age group.
The Journal of foot surgery
Bilateral percutaneous muscle biopsies of the triceps surae were analyzed in 12 athletes who had ... more Bilateral percutaneous muscle biopsies of the triceps surae were analyzed in 12 athletes who had sustained a one-sided subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon while practicing their main sport. No necrosis, atrophy, or significant fiber grouping or regeneration was evident. The soleus muscle in these athletes was composed of approximately 70% of type I fibers in both the noninjured and injured sides, and no significant differences were detected in their histochemical composition. Fiber areas were within described values and not significantly different between the two sides. The noninjured side revealed an insignificant trend to greater average capillary density and average capillary/fiber ratio. Muscle abnormalities do not appear to be a significant factor in determining Achilles tendon rupture in healthy athletes.
Archivio "Putti" di chirurgia degli organi di movimento, 1990
On the basis of evidence of the considerable damage caused by proteolytic enzymes in cases of deg... more On the basis of evidence of the considerable damage caused by proteolytic enzymes in cases of degenerative arthritis, the authors propose the intra-articular introduction of an inhibitor of these enzymes (aprotinine). Both the immediate and long-term results of this therapy are very promising from a clinical standpoint. This drug not only acted on the symptoms of pain and stiffness, but also blocked the degeneration and consequent cell damage, restoring physiological homeostasis. Considering its high tolerability and absence of side effects, this drug represents a significant turning point in the treatment of degenerative joint disease, with results that are strikingly superior to those achieved with commonly used infiltrative drugs.
Acta orthopaedica Belgica, 1992
Quantitative measurement of spinal deformity is the preliminary step in order to plan a therapeut... more Quantitative measurement of spinal deformity is the preliminary step in order to plan a therapeutic regimen. The most commonly used methods and, for this matter, practically any measurement methods, may have several sources of errors, namely: a. errors in taking a radiograph; b. errors intrinsic to the measurement method; c. errors due to anatomical deformity of the vertebrae; d. observer errors in measurement technique. These are discussed, and suggestions are given to minimize them.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Achilles Tendon Disorders in Clinical Practice, 2012
... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Fili... more ... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Filippo Spiezia, Umile Giuseppe Longo, and Nicola Maffulli 36 36.1 Introduction ... 11. Nelen G, Martens M, Burssens A. Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinitis. Am J Sports Med. ...
Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Foot and Ankle, 2010
... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Fili... more ... Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy Jonathan S. Young, Murali Krishna Sayana, Vittorino Testa, Filippo Spiezia, Umile Giuseppe Longo, and Nicola Maffulli 36 36.1 Introduction ... 11. Nelen G, Martens M, Burssens A. Surgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinitis. Am J Sports Med. ...
Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery, 2006
Journal of Orthopaedic Science, 2001
We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) ... more We studied the effects of peritendinous Achilles tendon injections of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) on the Achilles tendon of rats. Five groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (n ϭ 24 each) were studied. Groups 1 to 4 received weekly peritendinous injections. In group 1, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 in 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl and the contralateral side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 2, one side was injected with 800 ng of PGE 1 . In group 3, one side was injected with 0.5 ml of 0.9% NaCl. In group 4, a syringe needle was inserted in the peritenon unilaterally, but no substances were administered. In groups 2, 3, and 4, the contralateral tendon was used as the control. In group 5, treatment was not administered. Eight rats in each group were killed at each time point, after 7, 21, and 35 days of treatment. On day 7, values for average water content and average wet weight of the tendons treated with PGE 1 were significantly higher than those in the control tendons (analysis of variance [ANOVA]; P ϭ 0.02), with a histological picture of acute inflammation. On day 21, approximately half of the PGE 1 -treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intratendinous degeneration, with the other half still showing a picture of acute inflammation. On day 35, all of the PGE 1treated tendons showed fibrosis of the paratenon, with adhesions and intra-tendinous degeneration. At all time points, there was no evidence of pathology in the tendons that had not received PGE 1 . Sham peritendinous injections and injections of normal saline did not produce inflammation in the Achilles tendons. Initially, local administration of PGE 1 produced acute inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding tissues. Prolonged PGE 1 administration produced peri-and intra-tendinous degeneration, providing a cheap, reproducible model of Achilles tendinopathy, which would allow studies of the effects of conservative and surgical management of the condition.
Rheumatology, 1990
Chronic arthritis, whether primary or reactive, is an unusual manifestation of long standing tube... more Chronic arthritis, whether primary or reactive, is an unusual manifestation of long standing tuberculosis. We described the case of a 16-year-old gymnast with tuberculous rheumatism (Poncet's disease) secondary to Pott's disease of the dorsal spine. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 1999
... Accepted for publication September 1998. ... is inserted parallel to the long axis of the ten... more ... Accepted for publication September 1998. ... is inserted parallel to the long axis of the tendon fibers in the center of the area of tendinopathy, with the ... Preliminary cadaveric studies and experience with a similar procedure in the Achilles tendon showed that a tenotomy 2.8 cm long ...
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2004
To ascertain whether there are differences in the histopathological appearance of tendinopathic A... more To ascertain whether there are differences in the histopathological appearance of tendinopathic Achilles and patellar tendons. In males, we studied biopsies from tendinopathic Achilles (N = 28; average age 34.1 yr) and patellar tendons (N = 28; average age 32.1), Achilles tendons (N = 21; average age 61.8 yr) from deceased patients with no known tendon pathology, and patellar tendons (N = 15; average age 28.3) from patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Hematoxylineosin stained slides were interpreted using a semiquantitative grading scale (0: normal to 3: maximally abnormal) for fiber structure, fiber arrangement, rounding of the nuclei, regional variations in cellularity, increased vascularity, decreased collagen stainability, and hyalinization. All slides were assessed blindly twice, the agreement between two readings ranging from 0.170 to 0.750 (kappa statistics). The highest mean score of tendinopathic Achilles tendons was not significantly different from that of tendinopathic patellar tendons (11.6 +/- 5 and 10.4 +/- 3, respectively). The ability to differentiate between an Achilles tendon and a patellar tendon was low. Tendinopathic Achilles and patellar tendons show a similar histological picture. It was not possible to identify whether a specimen had been harvested from an Achilles or a patellar tendon on the basis of histological examination. The general pattern of degeneration was common to both tendinopathic Achilles and patellar tendons. A common, as yet unidentified, etiopathological mechanism may have acted on both these tendon populations.