[Achilles tendon power Doppler sonography in 953 long distance runners - a cross sectional study].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the frequency of tendinopathy-typical Doppler sonographic changes in the Achilles tendons of long distance runners and to correlate these findings with anamnestic and anthropometric data of the subjects.


METHODS
1906 Achilles tendons of 953 long distance runners were examined by ultrasound and power Doppler (Toshiba Aplio SSA-770A/ 80 12 MHz). Ultrasound images (spindle-shaped thickening, hypoechoic/hyperechoic lesions, neovascularizations) were analyzed in relation to the runners' anthropometrical data and history of Achilles tendon complaints.


RESULTS
In asymptomatic runners as well as in the overall group, there was a statistically significant correlation between tendon thickness and age, height and weight (CC 0.24 - 0.38, p < 0.001). Runners with current or healed Achilles tendon complaints displayed a statistically significant thickening of the tendons, as well as an increase in hypoechoic lesions and neovascularizations (p < 0.001). While grayscale abnormalities were rarely found in asymptomatic runners (< 10 %), neovascularization was detected in 35 % of healthy test persons using the high-resolution power Doppler "Advanced Dynamic Flow".


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to frequent assumption, neovascularization is often found in tendons of asymptomatic runners, using modern power Doppler equipment. The pathological relevance of single microvessels in asymptomatic tendons must, therefore, be critically discussed.
Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Abteilung für Orthopädie und Traumatolgie, Freiburg. anja.hirschmueller@uniklinik-freiburg.de
A
A
Hirschmüller
V
V
Frey
P
P
Deibert
L
L
Konstantinidis
F
F
Mayer
N
N
Südkamp
P
P
Helwig
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012016:Reference Values; D012420:Running; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
Powerdopplersonografische Befunde der Achillessehnen von 953 Langstreckenläufern - eine Querschnittsstudie.