title: Prognostic value of Achilles tendon Doppler sonography in asymptomatic runners.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Midportion Achilles tendinopathy (MPT) is a common problem in running athletes. Nevertheless, its etiology is not fully understood, and no valid prognostic criterion to predict the development of MPT could be identified to date. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to evaluate whether power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) is a suitable method to identify a predisposition to MPT in yet asymptomatic runners.
  
  
  METHODS
  At 23 major running events, 634 asymptomatic long-distance runners were tested for Achilles tendon thickness, vascularization, and structural abnormalities using a high-resolution PDU device (Toshiba Aplio SSA-770A/80, 12 MHz). In addition, their medical history and anthropometric data were documented. All subjects were contacted 6 and 12 months later and asked about any new symptoms. The collected anamnestic, anthropometric, and ultrasonographic data were subjected to regression analysis to determine their predictive value concerning the manifestation of midportion Achilles tendon complaints (P < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The highest odds ratio (OR) for manifestation of MPT within 1 yr was found for intratendinous blood flow ("neovascularization," OR = 6.9, P < 0.001). An increased risk was also identified for subjects with a positive history of Achilles tendon complaints (OR = 3.8, P < 0.001). A third relevant parameter, just above the level of significance, was a spindle-shaped thickening of the tendon on PDU (Wald χ2 = 3.42).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PDU detection of intratendinous microvessels in the Achilles tendons of healthy runners seems to be a prognostically relevant factor concerning the manifestation of symptomatic MPT. This finding lays the foundation for an early identification of a predisposition to MPT as well as prophylactic intervention in as yet asymptomatic runners.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Anja
authors: A
authors: Hirschmüller
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Frey
authors: Lukas
authors: L
authors: Konstantinidis
authors: Heiner
authors: H
authors: Baur
authors: Hans-Hermann
authors: HH
authors: Dickhuth
authors: Norbert P
authors: NP
authors: Südkamp
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Helwig
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D056352:Athletes; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012420:Running; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult