@article{HirschmuellerFreyDeibertetal.2010, author = {Hirschmueller, Anja and Frey, Virginie and Deibert, Peter and Konstantinidis, Lukas and Mayer, Frank and Suedkamp, Norbert and Helwig, Peter}, title = {Powerdopplersonografische Befunde der Achillessehnen von 953 Langstreckenlaeufern : eine Querschnittsstudie}, issn = {0172-4614}, doi = {10.1055/s-0029-1245189}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the frequency of tendinopathy-typical Doppler sonographic changes in the Achilles tendons of long distance runners and to correlate these findings with anamnestic and anthropometric data of the subjects. Materials and Methods: 1906 Achilles tendons of 953 long distance runners were examined by ultrasound and power Doppler (Toshiba Aplio SSA-770A/80 12 MHz). Ultrasound images (spindle-shaped thickening, hypoechoic/hyperechoic lesions, neovascularizations) were analyzed in relation to the runners' anthropometrical data and history of Achilles tendon complaints. Results: In asymptomatic runners as well as in the overall group, there was a statistically significant correlation between tendon thickness and age, height and weight (CC 0.24 - 0.38, p < 0.001). Runners with current or healed Achilles tendon complaints displayed a statistically significant thickening of the tendons, as well as an increase in hypoechoic lesions and neovascularizations (p < 0.001). While grayscale abnormalities were rarely found in asymptomatic runners (< 10\%), neovascularization was detected in 35\% of healthy test persons using the high-resolution power Doppler "Advanced Dynamic Flow". Conclusion: Contrary to frequent assumption, neovascularization is often found in tendons of asymptomatic runners, using modern power Doppler equipment. The pathological relevance of single microvessels in asymptomatic tendons must, therefore, be critically discussed.}, language = {de} } @article{HirschmuellerBaurMuelleretal.2011, author = {Hirschm{\"u}ller, Anja and Baur, Heiner and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Helwig, Peter and Dickhuth, Hans-Hermann and Mayer, Frank}, title = {Clinical effectiveness of customised sport shoe orthoses for overuse injuries in runners a randomised controlled study}, series = {British journal of sports medicine : the journal of sport and exercise medicine}, volume = {45}, journal = {British journal of sports medicine : the journal of sport and exercise medicine}, number = {12}, publisher = {BMJ Publ. Group}, address = {London}, issn = {0306-3674}, doi = {10.1136/bjsm.2008.055830}, pages = {959 -- 965}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background and objectives Treatment of chronic running-related overuse injuries by orthopaedic shoe orthoses is very common but not evidence-based to date. Hypothesis Polyurethane foam orthoses adapted to a participant's barefoot plantar pressure distribution are an effective treatment option for chronic overuse injuries in runners. Design Prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Intervention 51 patients with running injuries were treated with custom-made, semirigid running shoe orthoses for 8 weeks. 48 served as a randomised control group that continued regular training activity without any treatment. Main outcome measures Evaluation was made by the validated pain questionnaire Subjective Pain Experience Scale, the pain disability index and a comfort index in the orthoses group (ICI). Results There were statistically significant differences between the orthoses and control groups at 8 weeks for the pain disability index (mean difference 3.2; 95\% CI 0.9 to 5.5) and the Subjective Pain Experience Scale (6.6; 2.6 to 10.6). The patients with orthoses reported a rising wearing comfort (pre-treatment ICI 69/100; post-treatment ICI 83/100) that was most pronounced in the first 4 weeks (ICI 80.4/100). Conclusion Customised polyurethane running shoe orthoses are an effective conservative therapy strategy for chronic running injuries with high comfort and acceptance of injured runners.}, language = {en} } @article{HirschmuellerKonstantinidisBauretal.2011, author = {Hirschm{\"u}ller, Anja and Konstantinidis, Lukas and Baur, Heiner and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Mehlhorn, Alexander and Kontermann, Julia and Grosse, Ulrich and S{\"u}dkamp, Norbert P. and Helwig, Peter}, title = {Do changes in dynamic plantar pressure distribution, strength capacity and postural control after intra-articular calcaneal fracture correlate with clinical and radiological outcome?}, series = {Injury : international journal of the care of the injured}, volume = {42}, journal = {Injury : international journal of the care of the injured}, number = {10}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0020-1383}, doi = {10.1016/j.injury.2010.09.040}, pages = {1135 -- 1143}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Fractures of the calcaneus are often associated with serious permanent disability, a considerable reduction in quality of life, and high socio-economic cost. Although some studies have already reported changes in plantar pressure distribution after calcaneal fracture, no investigation has yet focused on the patient's strength and postural control. Method: 60 patients with unilateral, operatively treated, intra-articular calcaneal fractures were clinically and biomechanically evaluated >1 year postoperatively (physical examination, SF-36, AOFAS score, lower leg isokinetic strength, postural control and gait analysis including plantar pressure distribution). Results were correlated to clinical outcome and preoperative radiological findings (Bohler angle, Zwipp and Sanders Score). Results: Clinical examination revealed a statistically significant reduction in range of motion at the tibiotalar and the subtalar joint on the affected side. Additionally, there was a statistically significant reduction of plantar flexor peak torque of the injured compared to the uninjured limb (p < 0.001) as well as a reduction in postural control that was also more pronounced on the initially injured side (standing duration 4.2 +/- 2.9 s vs. 7.6 +/- 2.1 s, p < 0.05). Plantar pressure measurements revealed a statistically significant pressure reduction at the hindfoot (p = 0.0007) and a pressure increase at the midfoot (p = 0.0001) and beneath the lateral forefoot (p = 0.037) of the injured foot. There was only a weak correlation between radiological classifications and clinical outcome but a moderate correlation between strength differences and the clinical questionnaires (CC 0.27-0.4) as well as between standing duration and the clinical questionnaires. Although thigh circumference was also reduced on the injured side, there was no important relationship between changes in lower leg circumference and strength suggesting that measurement of leg circumference may not be a valid assessment of maximum strength deficits. Self-selected walking speed was the parameter that showed the best correlation with clinical outcome (AOFAS score). Conclusion: Calcaneal fractures are associated with a significant reduction in ankle joint ROM, plantar flexion strength and postural control. These impairments seem to be highly relevant to the patients. Restoration of muscular strength and proprioception should therefore be aggressively addressed in the rehabilitation process after these fractures.}, language = {en} } @article{HirschmuellerFreyKonstantinidisetal.2012, author = {Hirschmueller, Anja and Frey, Victoria and Konstantinidis, Lukas and Baur, Heiner and Dickhuth, Hans-Hermann and Suedkamp, Norbert P. and Helwig, Peter}, title = {Prognostic value of achilles tendon doppler sonography in asymptomatic runners}, series = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, volume = {44}, journal = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise : official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine}, number = {2}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0195-9131}, doi = {10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822b7318}, pages = {199 -- 205}, year = {2012}, abstract = {HIRSCHMULLER, A., V. FREY, L. KONSTANTINIDIS, H. BAUR, H-H. DICKHUTH, N. P. SUDKAMP, and P. HELWIG. Prognostic Value of Achilles Tendon Doppler Sonography in Asymptomatic Runners. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 199-205, 2012. Introduction: Midportion Achilles tendinopathy (MPT) is a common problem in running athletes. Nevertheless, its etiology is not fully understood, and no valid prognostic criterion to predict the development of MPT could be identified to date. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to evaluate whether power Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) is a suitable method to identify a predisposition to MPT in yet asymptomatic runners. Methods: At 23 major running events, 634 asymptomatic long-distance runners were tested for Achilles tendon thickness, vascularization, and structural abnormalities using a high-resolution PDU device (Toshiba Aplio SSA-770A/80, 12 MHz). In addition, their medical history and anthropometric data were documented. All subjects were contacted 6 and 12 months later and asked about any new symptoms. The collected anamnestic, anthropometric, and ultrasonographic data were subjected to regression analysis to determine their predictive value concerning the manifestation of midportion Achilles tendon complaints (P < 0.05). Results: The highest odds ratio (OR) for manifestation of MPT within 1 yr was found for intratendinous blood flow ("neovascularization,'' OR = 6.9, P < 0.001). An increased risk was also identified for subjects with a positive history of Achilles tendon complaints (OR = 3.8, P < 0.001). A third relevant parameter, just above the level of significance, was a spindle-shaped thickening of the tendon on PDU (Wald chi(2) = 3.42). Conclusions: PDU detection of intratendinous microvessels in the Achilles tendons of healthy runners seems to be a prognostically relevant factor concerning the manifestation of symptomatic MPT. This finding lays the foundation for an early identification of a predisposition to MPT as well as prophylactic intervention in as yet asymptomatic runners.}, language = {en} }