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Ex vivo Mechanical Loading of Tendon
Published on: May 28, 2007
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Early Tensile Loading in Nonsurgically Treated Achilles Tendon Ruptures Leads to a Larger Tendon Callus and a Lower
Zlatica Rendek1, Leo Bon Beckman2, Thorsten Schepull1
1Orthopedic Department, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 25, 2022
Summary
Early tensile loading did not improve the elastic modulus of healing Achilles tendons in non-surgically treated ruptures. However, this rehabilitation approach increased tendon thickness, altering structural properties.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Early tensile loading enhances healing in surgically treated Achilles tendon ruptures.
- Its effect on non-surgically treated ruptures is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early tensile loading on the healing of non-surgically treated Achilles tendon ruptures.
- To assess changes in elastic modulus and structural properties.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 40 patients with non-surgically treated Achilles tendon ruptures.
- Early tensile loading group used a training pedal; control group received standard care.
- High-precision measurements of tendon deformation and cross-sectional area were taken at 7, 19, and 52 weeks.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in elastic modulus between the loaded and control groups at 19 weeks (P = .37).
- Tendon cross-sectional area significantly increased in both groups over time (P < .001).
- The loaded group showed a significantly larger cross-sectional area at 52 weeks compared to controls (P = .03).
Conclusions:
- Early tensile loading does not improve the elastic modulus of healing Achilles tendons in non-surgically treated ruptures.
- This rehabilitation strategy alters tendon structure by increasing its thickness.
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