Muscle-tendon morphomechanical properties of non-surgically treated Achilles tendon 1-year post-rupture
File version
Version of Record (VoR)
Author(s)
Stenroth, Lauri
Cronin, Neil J
Reito, Aleksi
Paloneva, Juha
Finni, Taija
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
Abstract
Background: Achilles tendon rupture appears to alter stiffness and length of the tendon. These alterations may affect the function of tendon in force transmission and in energy storage and recovery. We studied the mechanical properties of the Achilles' tendon post-rupture and their association with function. Methods: Twenty-four (20 males, 4 females) participants (mean age: 43 y, 176 cm, 81 kg) were recruited. Ultrasonography and dynamometry were used to assess the muscle-tendon unit morphological and mechanical properties of non-surgically treated patients 1-year post rupture. Findings: Injured tendons were longer with difference of 1.8 cm (95%CI: 0.5–1.9 cm; P < 0.001), and thicker by 0.2 mm (0.2–0.3 mm; P < 0.01). Medial gastrocnemius cross-sectional area was 1.0 cm2 smaller (0.8–1.1 cm2; P < 0.001), fascicles were 0.6 cm shorter (0.5–0.7 cm; P < 0.001) and pennation angle was 2.5° higher (1.3–3.6°; P < 0.001) when compared to the uninjured limb. We found no differences between injured and uninjured tendon stiffness 1-year post-rupture (mean difference: 29.8 N/mm, −7.7–67.3 N/mm; P = 0.170). The injured tendon showed 1.8 mm (1.2–2.4 mm; P < 0.01) lower elongation during maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Patient-reported functional outcome was related to the tendon resting length (β = 0.68, r(10) = 4.079, P = 0.002). Inter-limb differences in the medial gastrocnemius fascicle length were related to inter-limb differences in maximum contractions (β = 1.17, r(14) = 2.808, P = 0.014). Interpretation: Longer Achilles tendon resting length was associated with poorer self-evaluated functional outcome. Although the stiffness of non-surgically treated and uninjured tendons was similar 1-year post rupture, plantar flexion strength deficit was still present, possibly due to shorter medial gastrocnemius fascicle length.
Journal Title
Clinical Biomechanics
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
92
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Biomedical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Sports science and exercise
Science & Technology
Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Orthopedics
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Khair, RM; Stenroth, L; Cronin, NJ; Reito, A; Paloneva, J; Finni, T, Muscle-tendon morphomechanical properties of non-surgically treated Achilles tendon 1-year post-rupture, Clinical Biomechanics, 2022, 92, pp. 105568