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[Tendon overuse syndrome: imaging diagnosis].
F Kainberger1, N Ulreich, W Huber
1Universitätsklinik für Radiodiagnostik, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Wien. franz.kainberger@billrothhaus.at
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Tendon overuse syndrome (TOS) involves progressive degeneration, often leading to sudden ruptures. Diagnostic imaging like MRI can detect its stages, from pain to tears, aiding in understanding sports injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Muscle and tendon injuries are frequent in sports, often perceived as sudden and unavoidable.
- However, tendon rupture can be the culmination of chronic collagen fiber degeneration, termed tendon overuse syndrome (TOS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the progressive stages of tendon overuse syndrome (TOS).
- To highlight the role of diagnostic imaging in identifying TOS stages and morphological abnormalities.
- To discuss predisposing factors and vulnerable phases in tendon injuries.
Main Methods:
- Review of the pathophysiology of tendon degeneration.
- Analysis of diagnostic imaging modalities (sonography, MRI) for TOS detection.
- Correlation of injury stages with anatomical sites and specific proneness periods.
Main Results:
- TOS progresses through stages: painful functional derangement, tendovaginitis/peritendinitis/bursitis, and tendinosis.
- Tendinosis, caused by biomechanical or ischemic injury, can lead to partial or complete tendon rupture.
- Specific anatomical 'critical zones' and 'vulnerable phases' can exacerbate TOS progression.
Conclusions:
- Tendon ruptures are often the end stage of a degenerative process (TOS), not solely sudden events.
- Diagnostic imaging is crucial for assessing TOS stages and guiding treatment strategies.
- Understanding TOS progression, critical zones, and vulnerable phases is key for injury prevention and management in athletes.