tendon injuries Flashcards
what is the anatomical arrangement of tendons ?
longitudinal arrangement of tenocytes and triple helix collagen fibres
collagen bundles covered by endotendon
fascicles covered by paratendon
tendon covered by epitendon
where does a tendon get its blood supply ?
fine network of vessels in the paratendon
what are the features of a tendon sheath ?
tendons connected to sheath by vincula
synovial lining and fluid
thickenings form strong annular pulleys
what are features of degenerative tendon disease ?
intrasubstance mucoid degeneration
may be swollen, painful, tender, asymptomatic
what is an example of an inflammatory tendon disease and what are its features ?
de Quervain’s stenosing tenovaginitis
tendons of EPB + APL passing through common tendon sheath at radial aspect of wrist
swollen, tender, hot, red
positive Finklestein’s test
what is an avulsion of tendons ?
failure at insertion
load exceeding strength while muscle contracting
Mallet finger is an eg
how do you treat an avulsion ?
conservative - limited application, retraction tendon
operative - reattachment tendon, fix bone fragment
what is an intrasubstance rupture ?
a tear - eg achilles tendon
load exceeds failure strength
what is the mechanism of rupture for achilles tendon ?
pushing off with weight bearing forefoot while extending knee joint - sprint start, jump
unexpected/violent dorsiflexion of foot
what are signs of an Achilles tendon rupture ?
positive Simmonds test
palpable tender gap
what is a musculotendinous junction tear ?
eg medial head of gastrocnemius at musculotendinous junction with achilles tendon
plantaris syndrome
often partial
what are features of tendon lacerations ?
usually finger flexors - FDS, FDP common M>F young adults repair surgically and early
