open access
The twisted Achilles tendon microvasculature
, 2, 2, 23
Affiliations- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Kraków, Poland
open access
Abstract
The Achilles tendon (AT) is reportedly the most vulnerable to rupture at the midportion, a section of relative hypovascularity. It has been postulated that the twisted structure of this tendon may constitute a critical factor contributing to increased propensity to vascular compromise, decreased regenerative capacity, and rupture in the midsection of the AT. In this review, we will give an overview of the most relevant research on AT vasculature and twist, and delve into the interplay between the two elements in the context of AT disorders. The pertinent body of research suggests a considerable variability in tendon twist among individuals, which likely constitutes a determining factor in the extent to which vessels coursing along and between AT fibers are compressed during contraction-induced elongation of the tendon. Consequently, further research is necessary to investigate the precise association between tendon torsion and blood flow within the AT.
Abstract
The Achilles tendon (AT) is reportedly the most vulnerable to rupture at the midportion, a section of relative hypovascularity. It has been postulated that the twisted structure of this tendon may constitute a critical factor contributing to increased propensity to vascular compromise, decreased regenerative capacity, and rupture in the midsection of the AT. In this review, we will give an overview of the most relevant research on AT vasculature and twist, and delve into the interplay between the two elements in the context of AT disorders. The pertinent body of research suggests a considerable variability in tendon twist among individuals, which likely constitutes a determining factor in the extent to which vessels coursing along and between AT fibers are compressed during contraction-induced elongation of the tendon. Consequently, further research is necessary to investigate the precise association between tendon torsion and blood flow within the AT.
Keywords
Achilles tendon; twist; microvasculature; hypovascularity; tendinopathy
About this articleTitle
The twisted Achilles tendon microvasculature
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review article
Published online
2024-03-13
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151
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123
DOI
Pubmed
Keywords
Achilles tendon
twist
microvasculature
hypovascularity
tendinopathy
Authors
Ivan Szergyuk
Alicia del Carmen Yika
Jerzy A. Walocha
Przemysław A. Pękala
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