MedPath

Efficacy of Percutaneous Electrolysis in the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Achilles Tendinopathy
Interventions
Device: Sham application
Device: low intensity percutaneous musculoskeletal electrolysis
Other: Silbernagel protocol
Registration Number
NCT05301959
Lead Sponsor
Maimonides University
Brief Summary

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is one of the most reported myotendinous pathologies due to overuse in the literature. In the general adult population, its incidence is 2.35 cases per 1,000 patients, with no difference between men and women. The international literature reports that up to 29% of patients fail with conservative treatment.

Within physiotherapy, new alternatives for the treatment of tendinopathies arise, applying electric currents percutaneously, which from a mechanical effect associated to the use of a needle and an electric effect by the use of galvanic currents, generate a local inflammatory response; activation of the central nervous system and analgesia.

The aim of the research is to evaluate the efficacy of adding low intensity percutaneous electrolysis to the treatment with a high load eccentric exercise program based on the protocol of Silbernagel et al. in adults with Achilles tendinopathy to improve its functionality.

A randomized, double-blind, blinded, evaluator-blinded, controlled clinical trial will be conducted in parallel groups (experimental treatment vs. sham treatment), with a follow-up at 26 and 52 weeks after the first intervention. Non-probability and intentional sampling will be performed.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
102
Inclusion Criteria
  • Presence of symptoms in one or both Achilles tendons with a minimum duration of two months. In case the symptoms are bilateral, the intervention or placebo will only be administered and its results evaluated- in the limb with greater symptomatology. If it is not possible to differentiate which one presents greater pain, the right Achilles tendon will be chosen.
  • Spontaneous pain of at least three points measured by a visual analog scale (VAS), reproducible by palpation between 2 and 6 cm above the insertion of the Achilles tendon in the calcaneal bone.
  • Evidence of tendinopathy by MRI.
  • Presence of post-static dyskinesia.
  • Willingness to not perform additional treatments (such as footwear modifications, physical therapy, orthotics, injections, or surgery) for Achilles tendon pain during the conduct of the trial.
  • Willingness to attempt to discontinue self-administration of medications (NSAIDs) for pain relief Achilles tendon(s) pain for at least 14 days prior to baseline assessment and during the course of the trial.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Presence or suspicion of pregnancy.
  • Previous surgical intervention on the AT in the symptomatic leg(s)
  • Total or partial rupture in the symptomatic AT
  • Chronic ankle instability, in the foot with symptomatic tendon(s).
  • Pathologies that can derive in pain in the region of the AT without being proper of the picture. (e.g.: osteoarthritis, impingement syndromes).
  • Presence of arthritis or any metabolic or endocrine disorder (type 1 or 2 diabetes).
  • Psychological disorders.
  • Oncologic history.
  • Treatment with quinolones or fluoroquinolones during the last two years.
  • Treatment with statins for the control of hypercholesterolemia for more than two months
  • Treatments within or at the periphery of the Achilles tendon, with anesthetics, corticosteroids or any other pharmacological agent during the last three months.
  • Needle phobia
  • Allergy to metal

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Experimental groupSilbernagel protocolA single weekly intervention of low intensity galvanic currents will be applied in an ultrasound-guided manner.
Simulated group.Sham applicationThe application of a single weekly intervention of low intensity galvanic currents will be simulated in an echogenic way, with the equipment turned off.
Experimental grouplow intensity percutaneous musculoskeletal electrolysisA single weekly intervention of low intensity galvanic currents will be applied in an ultrasound-guided manner.
Simulated group.Silbernagel protocolThe application of a single weekly intervention of low intensity galvanic currents will be simulated in an echogenic way, with the equipment turned off.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 1one week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 3three week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 12twelve week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 4four week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - BaselineBaseline

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 2two week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 7seven week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 6six week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 9nine week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 52fifty-two week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 5five week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 8eight week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 11eleven week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 10ten week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles - Week 26twenty-six week at study entry

patient reported outcomes specifically designed for the assessment of pain and function in the achilles tendinopathy. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
visual analog scale - BaselineBaseline

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 1one week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 4four week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 26twenty-six week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 52fifty-two week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 6six week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 9nine week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 3three week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 9nine week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

visual analog scale - Week 2Two week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 5five week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 7seven week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 8eight week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 3three week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 10ten week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 11eleven week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 12twelve week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 52fifty-two week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

ultrasound Shear Wave elastography - Week 8eight week at study entry

Shear Wave Elastography (SWS), which consists of a special ultrasound methodology that allows quantitative characterization of the elastic capacity of a tissue through the propagation velocity of the ultrasound wave. The Siemens Acuson S2000 system with a model 9L4 linear transducer will be used.

The patients will be placed on a table in ventral decubitus and the ankle outside the plane of the table in neutral position. To determine the point to be scanned, the maximum perpendicular distance between the anterior and posterior limits of the tendon between 2 to 6 cm from the insertion in the calcaneus will be taken and this value will be reported in mm.

The SWS value will be expressed in m/s. The range of SWS is 0-9 m/s. The standard SWS measurement window size shall be 1cm2 , with a region of interest of 3mm. Three measurements will be recorded in each plane (regions of interest) where homogeneous tissue is considered and the average value of the 6 measurements will be reported.

visual analog scale - Week 11eleven week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

visual analog scale - Week 12twelve week at study entry

The intensity of pain experienced during a sequence of three monopodal countermovement jumps with both hands on the waist will be evaluated on a graduated scale. A maximum of three jumps will be performed and the highest jump will be recorded. Immediately afterwards, participants will be asked to indicate with an "X" on a 100mm line the intensity of pain experienced in the Achilles tendon. It has a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain).

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - BaselineBaseline

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 1one week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 2two week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 4four week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 6six week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 7seven week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 10ten week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score - MRI - Week 8eight week at study entry

A 1.5T Siemens Healthcare 1.5T scanner will be used for the MRI evaluation, using a gradient strength of 40 mT/m and an 8-channel coil. The standard MRI protocol will be identical for all examinations and will consist of a localizer set and three morphological MR sequences: 1) a sagittal fat-suppressed sequence; 2) a sagittal T1 sagittal spin echo (SE) sequence and 3) a T2-w sequence.

Once the images are obtained, they will be evaluated with the "Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score" (VIMATS) protocol proposed by Apprich S. (2021) which conforms a semiquantitative rating scale where the score is composed of four different parameters: (1) thickness, (2) continuity, (3) signal and (4) associated pathologies. It has a continuous numerical scale from 0 to 100 where the higher the score, the better the patient's stage.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 5five week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 8eight week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure - Week 26twenty-six week at study entry

an evaluative instrument that assesses functional limitations for those with foot- and ankle-related disorders. it's a patient reported outcomes which allows to quantify sport activity and participation. It has a scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). It consists of 29 questions, divided into 2 subscales, activities of daily living and sports activities. The criterion for discharge is a value greater than or equal to 90 points.

ultrasound Shear Wave elastography - Week 4four week at study entry

Shear Wave Elastography (SWS), which consists of a special ultrasound methodology that allows quantitative characterization of the elastic capacity of a tissue through the propagation velocity of the ultrasound wave. The Siemens Acuson S2000 system with a model 9L4 linear transducer will be used.

The patients will be placed on a table in ventral decubitus and the ankle outside the plane of the table in neutral position. To determine the point to be scanned, the maximum perpendicular distance between the anterior and posterior limits of the tendon between 2 to 6 cm from the insertion in the calcaneus will be taken and this value will be reported in mm.

The SWS value will be expressed in m/s. The range of SWS is 0-9 m/s. The standard SWS measurement window size shall be 1cm2 , with a region of interest of 3mm. Three measurements will be recorded in each plane (regions of interest) where homogeneous tissue is considered and the average value of the 6 measurements will be reported.

ultrasound Shear Wave elastography - Week 52fifty-two week at study entry

Shear Wave Elastography (SWS), which consists of a special ultrasound methodology that allows quantitative characterization of the elastic capacity of a tissue through the propagation velocity of the ultrasound wave. The Siemens Acuson S2000 system with a model 9L4 linear transducer will be used.

The patients will be placed on a table in ventral decubitus and the ankle outside the plane of the table in neutral position. To determine the point to be scanned, the maximum perpendicular distance between the anterior and posterior limits of the tendon between 2 to 6 cm from the insertion in the calcaneus will be taken and this value will be reported in mm.

The SWS value will be expressed in m/s. The range of SWS is 0-9 m/s. The standard SWS measurement window size shall be 1cm2 , with a region of interest of 3mm. Three measurements will be recorded in each plane (regions of interest) where homogeneous tissue is considered and the average value of the 6 measurements will be reported.

Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score - MRI - Week 26twenty-six week at study entry

A 1.5T Siemens Healthcare 1.5T scanner will be used for the MRI evaluation, using a gradient strength of 40 mT/m and an 8-channel coil. The standard MRI protocol will be identical for all examinations and will consist of a localizer set and three morphological MR sequences: 1) a sagittal fat-suppressed sequence; 2) a sagittal T1 sagittal spin echo (SE) sequence and 3) a T2-w sequence.

Once the images are obtained, they will be evaluated with the "Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score" (VIMATS) protocol proposed by Apprich S. (2021) which conforms a semiquantitative rating scale where the score is composed of four different parameters: (1) thickness, (2) continuity, (3) signal and (4) associated pathologies. It has a continuous numerical scale from 0 to 100 where the higher the score, the better the patient's stage.

ultrasound Shear Wave elastography - baselineBaseline

Shear Wave Elastography (SWS), which consists of a special ultrasound methodology that allows quantitative characterization of the elastic capacity of a tissue through the propagation velocity of the ultrasound wave. The Siemens Acuson S2000 system with a model 9L4 linear transducer will be used.

The patients will be placed on a table in ventral decubitus and the ankle outside the plane of the table in neutral position. To determine the point to be scanned, the maximum perpendicular distance between the anterior and posterior limits of the tendon between 2 to 6 cm from the insertion in the calcaneus will be taken and this value will be reported in mm.

The SWS value will be expressed in m/s. The range of SWS is 0-9 m/s. The standard SWS measurement window size shall be 1cm2 , with a region of interest of 3mm. Three measurements will be recorded in each plane (regions of interest) where homogeneous tissue is considered and the average value of the 6 measurements will be reported.

ultrasound Shear Wave elastography - Week 12twelve week at study entry

Shear Wave Elastography (SWS), which consists of a special ultrasound methodology that allows quantitative characterization of the elastic capacity of a tissue through the propagation velocity of the ultrasound wave. The Siemens Acuson S2000 system with a model 9L4 linear transducer will be used.

The patients will be placed on a table in ventral decubitus and the ankle outside the plane of the table in neutral position. To determine the point to be scanned, the maximum perpendicular distance between the anterior and posterior limits of the tendon between 2 to 6 cm from the insertion in the calcaneus will be taken and this value will be reported in mm.

The SWS value will be expressed in m/s. The range of SWS is 0-9 m/s. The standard SWS measurement window size shall be 1cm2 , with a region of interest of 3mm. Three measurements will be recorded in each plane (regions of interest) where homogeneous tissue is considered and the average value of the 6 measurements will be reported.

ultrasound Shear Wave elastography - Week 26twenty-six week at study entry

Shear Wave Elastography (SWS), which consists of a special ultrasound methodology that allows quantitative characterization of the elastic capacity of a tissue through the propagation velocity of the ultrasound wave. The Siemens Acuson S2000 system with a model 9L4 linear transducer will be used.

The patients will be placed on a table in ventral decubitus and the ankle outside the plane of the table in neutral position. To determine the point to be scanned, the maximum perpendicular distance between the anterior and posterior limits of the tendon between 2 to 6 cm from the insertion in the calcaneus will be taken and this value will be reported in mm.

The SWS value will be expressed in m/s. The range of SWS is 0-9 m/s. The standard SWS measurement window size shall be 1cm2 , with a region of interest of 3mm. Three measurements will be recorded in each plane (regions of interest) where homogeneous tissue is considered and the average value of the 6 measurements will be reported.

Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score - MRI - Week 4four week at study entry

A 1.5T Siemens Healthcare 1.5T scanner will be used for the MRI evaluation, using a gradient strength of 40 mT/m and an 8-channel coil. The standard MRI protocol will be identical for all examinations and will consist of a localizer set and three morphological MR sequences: 1) a sagittal fat-suppressed sequence; 2) a sagittal T1 sagittal spin echo (SE) sequence and 3) a T2-w sequence.

Once the images are obtained, they will be evaluated with the "Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score" (VIMATS) protocol proposed by Apprich S. (2021) which conforms a semiquantitative rating scale where the score is composed of four different parameters: (1) thickness, (2) continuity, (3) signal and (4) associated pathologies. It has a continuous numerical scale from 0 to 100 where the higher the score, the better the patient's stage.

Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score - MRI - baselineBaseline

A 1.5T Siemens Healthcare 1.5T scanner will be used for the MRI evaluation, using a gradient strength of 40 mT/m and an 8-channel coil. The standard MRI protocol will be identical for all examinations and will consist of a localizer set and three morphological MR sequences: 1) a sagittal fat-suppressed sequence; 2) a sagittal T1 sagittal spin echo (SE) sequence and 3) a T2-w sequence.

Once the images are obtained, they will be evaluated with the "Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score" (VIMATS) protocol proposed by Apprich S. (2021) which conforms a semiquantitative rating scale where the score is composed of four different parameters: (1) thickness, (2) continuity, (3) signal and (4) associated pathologies. It has a continuous numerical scale from 0 to 100 where the higher the score, the better the patient's stage.

Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score - MRI - Week 12twelve week at study entry

A 1.5T Siemens Healthcare 1.5T scanner will be used for the MRI evaluation, using a gradient strength of 40 mT/m and an 8-channel coil. The standard MRI protocol will be identical for all examinations and will consist of a localizer set and three morphological MR sequences: 1) a sagittal fat-suppressed sequence; 2) a sagittal T1 sagittal spin echo (SE) sequence and 3) a T2-w sequence.

Once the images are obtained, they will be evaluated with the "Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score" (VIMATS) protocol proposed by Apprich S. (2021) which conforms a semiquantitative rating scale where the score is composed of four different parameters: (1) thickness, (2) continuity, (3) signal and (4) associated pathologies. It has a continuous numerical scale from 0 to 100 where the higher the score, the better the patient's stage.

Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score - MRI - Week 52fifty-two week at study entry

A 1.5T Siemens Healthcare 1.5T scanner will be used for the MRI evaluation, using a gradient strength of 40 mT/m and an 8-channel coil. The standard MRI protocol will be identical for all examinations and will consist of a localizer set and three morphological MR sequences: 1) a sagittal fat-suppressed sequence; 2) a sagittal T1 sagittal spin echo (SE) sequence and 3) a T2-w sequence.

Once the images are obtained, they will be evaluated with the "Vienna Achilles tendon morphological score" (VIMATS) protocol proposed by Apprich S. (2021) which conforms a semiquantitative rating scale where the score is composed of four different parameters: (1) thickness, (2) continuity, (3) signal and (4) associated pathologies. It has a continuous numerical scale from 0 to 100 where the higher the score, the better the patient's stage.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Maimonides University

🇦🇷

Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Caba, Argentina

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