Abnormal tenocyte morphology is more prevalent than collagen disruption in asymptomatic athletes' patellar tendons

Cook, J. L., Feller, J. A., Bonar, S. F. and Khan, K. M. (2004) Abnormal tenocyte morphology is more prevalent than collagen disruption in asymptomatic athletes' patellar tendons. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 22 2: 334-338.


Author Cook, J. L.
Feller, J. A.
Bonar, S. F.
Khan, K. M.
Title Abnormal tenocyte morphology is more prevalent than collagen disruption in asymptomatic athletes' patellar tendons
Journal name Journal of Orthopaedic Research  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A*)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2004-03
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1016/j.orthres.2003.08.005
Volume number 22
Issue number 2
ISSN 0736-0266
Start page 334
End page 338
Total pages 5
Place of publication Rosemont, IL
Publisher Orthepedic Research Society
Language eng
Subject 1103 Clinical Sciences
Abstract This study investigated the prevalence of each of the four features of patellar tendinosis in asymptomatic athletic subjects undergoing patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Fifty subjects (39 males and 11 females) undergoing ACL reconstruction using a patellar tendon graft were screened for previous tendon symptoms, training and playing history and had their patellar tendons examined with ultrasound prior to surgery. During surgery, a small piece of proximal posterocentral tendon was harvested, fixed and examined under light microscopy. Histopathological changes were graded for severity. Results demonstrate that 18 tendons were abnormal on light microscopy and 32 were normal. There were no differences between subjects with and without pathology in respect of training, recovery after surgery and basic anthropometric measures. Three tendons were abnormal on ultrasound but only one had proximal and central changes. Tendons showed a consistent series of changes. Tenocyte changes were found in all but one of the abnormal tendons. In all but one of the tendons with increased ground substance there were tenocyte changes, and collagen separation was always associated with both tenocyte changes and increased ground substance. No tendons demonstrated neovascularization. It appears that cellular changes must be present if there is an increase in ground substance, or collagen and vascular changes. Further research is required to confirm these findings. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Keyword Tendinopathy
Histopathology
Patellar tendon
Tenocytes
Collagen
Q-Index Code C1

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) - Collection
School of Human Movement Studies Publications
 
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