Tendon Problems Flashcards
What defines tendinopathy?
Disease of a tendon, tendon related pain
What defines tendonitis?
Inflammation of a tendon
What defines tendinosis?
Chronic tendon injury with damage to a tendon extracellular matrix
What defines tenosynovitis?
Inflammation of a tendon sheath
What defines enthesopathy?
Inflammation of the tendon origin or insertion into bone
What is the predominant cell in a tendon? What is their function?
Fibroblast: production and maintenance of collagen and and other proteins
What is the function of collagen within a tendon?
Confers flexibility and strength
90% of a tendon is made up of what type of collagen?
Type 1
What is the heirarchial structure of a tendon?
Fibrils divide into sub fibrils which divide into microfibrils
What are the 3 blood supplies to tendons?
Perimysium, periosteal insertion, paratenon
What is a paratenon?
The tissue occupying the space between a tendon and its sheath
Which sex is more likely to be affected by tendon problems?
Males
What are some drugs which may predispose to tendon problems?
Steroids, fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin)
What causes tendinosis?
Histological degeneration of collagen and extracellular matrix
Degeneration of collagen which causes tendinosis occurs as a result of what?
Matrix metalloproteinases which increase with age and repetitive strain
Where is tendinosis most likely to occur?
Areas of poor blood supply
Is tendinosis always painful?
No, it can be present and not painful
What are some general conservative managements for for tendinosis?
Rest, physio, eccentric strengthening, analgesia, anti-inflammatories, injections of local anaesthetic and cortisone
LA and cortisone injections are especially useful for what conditions?
Rotator cuff, tennis elbow
What are some different surgical managements which can be used for tendinopathies?
Debridement, decompression, synovectomy, tendon transfer
What is the purpose of a synovectomy?
Helps to prevent rupture
A tendon is often taken from where to be used for tendon transfers? Why?
An extensor tendon of the index fingers since there are two
Why are steroid injections controversial for tendinosis?
Steroids are toxic to tenocytes
Rotator cuff problems cause a dull, achy pain down the arm. This is referred pain from where?
Axillary nerve