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Amianthoid fibres in ruptured human tendons
L Józsa1, J B Balint, P Kannus
1Department of Morphology, National Institute of Traumatology, Budapest, Hungary.
Pathology, Research and Practice
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Amianthoid fibers, abnormal collagen structures, were found in 3.7% of ruptured human tendons but not in healthy controls. These abnormal fibers have significantly larger diameters and altered ultrastructural characteristics compared to normal tendon collagen.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedic Research
- Materials Science
Background:
- Spontaneous tendon ruptures are a significant clinical concern.
- The ultrastructural composition of tendons undergoing rupture is not fully understood.
- Previous research has not identified specific collagenous anomalies in ruptured tendons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize unique collagenous structures, termed amianthoid fibers, in human tendons following spontaneous rupture.
- To compare the ultrastructural properties of amianthoid fibers with normal tendon collagen fibrils.
- To investigate the prevalence of amianthoid fibers in ruptured tendons versus control tendons.
Main Methods:
- Histological and ultrastructural analysis of 460 human tendons with spontaneous rupture.
- Comparative analysis with 445 postmortem control tendons from healthy individuals.
- Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for detailed fibril examination.
Main Results:
- Amianthoid fibers were identified in 3.7% (17/460) of ruptured tendons.
- No amianthoid fibers were found in the control group of 445 tendons.
- Ultrastructurally, amianthoid fibers exhibited significantly larger diameters (600-1400 nm vs. 20-120 nm), irregular profiles, homogeneous granular appearance, disintegration, loss of periodicity, angulation, and occasional calcification.
Conclusions:
- Amianthoid fibers represent a distinct ultrastructural anomaly of collagen within tendons.
- The presence of amianthoid fibers is associated with spontaneous tendon rupture.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the formation and pathological role of amianthoid fibers in tendon pathology.