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1
Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu
4, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland.
2
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Rd.,
Miami Beach, FL 33140.
3
Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Kuopio, P. O. Box
1777, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
4
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central
Hospital, Topeliuksenkatu 5, FIN-00260, Helsinki, Finland.
5
Helsinki University Central Hospital Diagnostics, P. O. Box 401, FIN-00290,
Helsinki, Finland.
6
San Francisco MR Imaging Center, 3333 California St., Ste. 105, San Francisco,
CA 94118.
Received August 16, 1999;
accepted after revision December 14, 1999.
Supported in part by Pekka Peltokallio Foundation, Pehr Oscar Klingendahl
Foundation, Radiological Society of Finland, Duodecim Foundation, and a
research grant from Helsinki University Central Hospital.
Abstract
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SUBJECTS AND METHODS. One hundred patients with 118 painful Achilles tendons were imaged with a 1.5-T magnet. The tendon, peritendinous tissues, tendon insertion, and musculotendinous junction were examined on MR imaging. Twenty-eight patients underwent surgery, and histopathologic samples were taken in 13. Long-term follow-up was performed, on average, 3.4 years after MR imaging.
RESULTS. Of 118 painful Achilles tendons, abnormalities were detected in 111. These were in the tendon (n = 90), surrounding structures, or both. Fifty-four tendons had a focal area of increased intratendinous signal, best detected on axial high-resolution T1-weighted gradient-echo MR imaging. Histopathology confirmed abnormal tendon structure. Of the 21 surgically proven foci of tendinosis, 20 were revealed on MR imaging. At the level of the insertion, changes were found in the tendon in 15%, in the retrocalcaneal bursa in 19%, and in the calcaneal bone marrow in 8% of the studies. Abnormalities in peritendinous soft tissues were detected in 67%. More than one type of abnormality was found in 64% of the studies.
CONCLUSION. Lesions in the Achilles tendon and in the peritendinous structures can have similar clinical presentation. MR imaging detects and characterizes these changes. A more specific diagnosis and prognosis can be made with the use of MR imaging than with clinical examination alone.
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The purpose of this study was to describe and classify MR imaging findings related to overuse injuries of the Achilles tendon and to correlate these findings with the clinical, surgical, and histopathologic findings.
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All MR imaging was performed with a 1.5-T magnet (Vision; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) using a standard circular polarized (CP)-extremity coil supplied by the manufacturer. The following pulse sequences were used: sagittal T1-weighted spin-echo (TR/TE, 460/14) and fast short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images (TR/TE, 4000/30; inversion time, 160 msec) with 3-mm sections, a 0.3-mm intersection gap, a 113x180 mm rectangular field of view, and a 182 x 256 matrix; axial T1-weighted spoiled gradient-echo fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence with a short TE (600/10), flip angle of 90°, 113 x 180 mm rectangular field of view, and 211 x 512 matrix (pixel size, 0.54 x 0.35 mm); and axial fast STIR (4700/30; inversion time, 160) and dual spin-echo images (2100/20; inversion time, 80) with 113 x 180 mm rectangular field of view and 154 x 256 matrix. All axial acquisitions had 17-19 sections, 4-mm section thickness, 1.0-mm intersection gap, and left-to-right phaseencoding orientation. Total imaging time for this protocol was 17 min.
The images were independently interpreted by two musculoskeletal
radiologists. The symptomatic and asymptomatic legs were examined. The
anteroposterior diameter of the Achilles tendon was measured. The tendon was
diagnosed as abnormal if the tendon was thickened (>6 mm in anteroposterior
diameter or 
2 mm thicker than the asymptomatic side); had a convex
anterior margin on the axial images or anterior bulging on sagittal images; or
had a focal intratendinous lesion larger than 3 mm on axial FLASH images
[6]. The signal intensity of
the intratendinous lesion was further analyzed on proton density-weighted,
T2-weighted, and STIR images as having low (or no), intermediate, or high
signal intensity. In addition, the level, size (percentage of the
cross-sectional area and height), and location (deep versus surface) of the
intratendinous lesion were registered on axial FLASH images.
The peritendinous soft tissues evaluated included the pre-Achilles fat pad (Kager's fat pad) and the thin paratenon posteriorly. Thickening of the paratenon on axial FLASH images and the signal intensity of the paratenon and Kager's fat pad [7] on STIR images were subjectively evaluated and recorded. Other recorded findings were the size and intensity of retrocalcaneal bursae and the signal intensity of the calcaneal marrow deep to the Achilles insertion on STIR images. Bursae larger than 11 mm transversally or 7 mm craniocaudally were considered abnormal [8].
Signal intensity and thickness of the paratenon and anterior convexity of the tendon were graded using a scale of 0 (normal), 1 (moderate), or 2 (severe). All other structures were graded as normal or abnormal. Images were first evaluated independently. If the two interpreters did not fully agree, a consensus was reached.
All patients were first treated conservatively. Conservative treatment included modified or complete rest for 3-12 weeks, heel lifts of 10-15 mm, cryotherapy, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, static stretching, and eccentric and concentric strength training. Corticosteroid injections were rarely used.
Twenty-eight patients did not respond to conservative treatment and eventually underwent surgery. The surgeons were preoperatively informed of the MR imaging findings. Operative treatment included crural fasciotomy, liberation of tissue elements adherent to one another, removal of hypertrophic paratenon, excision of tendon lesions, and, when necessary, excision of inflamed retrocalcaneal bursae and prominent superior calcaneal tuberosity. Thickening of the paratenon; thickening, consistency, and fiber structure of the tendon; and presence of intratendinous lesions were recorded during surgery. Signs of bursitis were recorded when the retrocalcaneal bursae had to be exposed.
At surgery, it was possible to obtain specimens for histologic examination from 13 intratendinous lesions. H and E and van Gieson stains were used. Pathologic changes included derangement of collagen fibers, lack of collagen stainability, round shape of tenocyte nuclei, and increase in vascularity [9].
For long-term follow-up, all patients were interviewed using a comprehensive questionnaire concerning functional activity, pain associated with athletic activity, pain during daily activities, and ability to participate in sports. Outcome was classified according to the modified evaluation method of Schepsis et al. [4]. Full return to sports comparable with the preinjury status was considered an excellent result. A good result was considered to be return to sports with only intermittent or mild discomfort and persisting mild limitation of range of motion. A fair result was scored if discomfort did not allow return to preinjury level and thus dictated cessation of competitive sports activity or mandated a change in the form of the recreational sport activity. Results were considered poor if patients had given up all sports activities and had pain during activities of daily living.
In statistical analysis, interobserver variability for all estimated categories was calculated with the use of the Cohen kappa values. Kappa values greater than 0.60 indicated good agreement. Kappa values were calculated for agreement between MR imaging and macroscopic evaluation of the operative surgeon. Regression analysis was used for correlation between the level of peritendinous abnormal signal intensity on STIR images and the location of clinically observed maximal tenderness as well as correlation between the intratendinous lesion and the clinically observed area of thickening. Analysis of variance was used to compare the size of the intratendinous lesion detected on FLASH images with that seen on all other sequences and to compare the anteroposterior dimensions of symptomatic and asymptomatic Achilles tendons. A Fisher's exact test was performed to assess MR imaging findings with respect to long-term outcome analysis.
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= 0.60-0.87).
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Anteroposterior Diameter
The most common abnormal finding was thickening of the Achilles tendon in
the anteroposterior direction (Fig.
1A,1B).
This was seen in 87 tendons. The average anteroposterior diameter of the
symptomatic and asymptomatic Achilles tendons was 7.6 ± 2.25 mm and 5.2
± 0.77 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). Anterior bulging
(Fig. 2) was seen in 67
tendons, and convexity of the anterior margin (Fig.
1A,1B)
was present in 77 tendons (29 mild and 48 severe).
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Intratendinous Lesions
In 54 tendons (45%) an intratendinous lesion was detected. The level of the
center of the lesion varied from insertion distally to 8 cm more proximally.
Fourteen of the intratendinous lesions were located at a level close to the
tendon insertion. The area of the lesion ranged from 5% to 90% (mean, 28%) of
the cross-sectional area on axial FLASH images (Figs.
3A and
4A). The height of the lesion
ranged from 5 to 100 mm (mean, 28 mm).
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The center of the lesion was usually in the central substance of the tendon (Fig. 4A). In 35 of the 54 Achilles tendons, the lesion reached the tendon surface (Fig. 3A). In the anteroposterior direction, the center of the lesion was located toward the anterior margin in 20 tendons and toward the posterior margin in seven. In the mediolateral direction, the lesion was situated medially in 13 tendons and laterally in seven. In all tendons, the area of the intratendinous lesion was seen most clearly and at its largest on axial FLASH images (Figs. 3A and 4A). In 19 tendons, the lesion was clearly detected on axial FLASH images only (Fig. 3A). Significantly smaller lesions were visualized with FLASH sequence that with other sequences (p = 0.04). On T2-weighted images, the lesions were least visible and smaller than on proton density-weighted and STIR images in all except three tendons, in which they were equal in size.
In 17 tendons, a focal high-signal-intensity area was detected centrally in the intratendinous lesion on axial STIR images (Fig. 4B). In nine of these tendons, this area had equally high signal intensity on T2-weighted images; however, in the other eight, this area was less intense, and in both instances the lesions appeared smaller (Fig. 4D).
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Tendon Insertion and Retrocalcaneal Bursa
In 28 symptomatic tendons, abnormalities were detected at the Achilles
tendon insertion. Ten tendon insertions (8%) had an area of increased signal
intensity on STIR images in the calcaneal bone marrow
(Figs. 5A and 5C). The area
ranged from 3 to 20 mm in diameter. In 18 tendons (15%), the tendon was
abnormal at the level of 0-2 cm from tendon insertion with (n = 14)
or without (n = 4) a focal intratendinous lesion. The lesions were
typically located along the anterior surface of the tendon at the level of the
retrocalcaneal bursa (Fig.
5D).?,?
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Twenty-three tendons (19%) had an enlarged retrocalcaneal bursa, and in eight tendons this was the only abnormality (Fig. 6A,6B,6C,6D,6E). Of the 18 tendons with abnormal tendon appearance at the Achilles tendon insertion (Fig. 5D), 10 had increased signal intensity in the calcaneal bone marrow (Fig. 5C) and 15 had an enlarged retrocalcaneal bursa on STIR images (Fig. 5E).
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Musculotendinous Junction
Two tendons had increased signal intensity on STIR images at the most
distal aspect of the soleus muscle and adjacent fat. One patient had a
localized high-signal-intensity lesion on STIR images at a more proximal level
of the soleus muscle.
Peritendinous Tissues
Eighty-one tendons (69%) had abnormalities in the peritendinous tissues.
The paratenon had increased signal intensity along the posterior, medial, or
lateral aspect of the Achilles tendon on STIR images in 48 tendons (41%). The
anterior fat pad was abnormal in 12 tendons (10%) (Figs.
7B and
8A,8B).
Both sides were involved in 18 tendons (15%)
(Fig. 7C). In 45 tendons
(36%), the peritendinous changes were classified as severe, and in 36 tendons
(31%) as moderate.
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Thickening of the paratenon, best seen on axial FLASH images, was found in 32 cases. In 15 tendons thickening of the paratenon was classified as moderate and in 17 as severe (Figs. 9B and 9C). Of the 32 tendons with thickened paratenon, 29 also showed increased signal intensity of the paratenon on STIR images.
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Both the tendon and peritendinous tissue were abnormal in 75 tendons (64%). Of 90 tendons with an abnormality, 61 had increased signal intensity in the peritendinous tissues on STIR images (Figs. 3B and 4B). Regional thickening of the paratenon was associated in 23 (43%) of the 54 intratendinous lesions (Fig. 3A).
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MR Imaging and Clinical Findings
Only 30 (56%) of the 54 tendons with an intratendinous lesion on MR imaging
had palpable nodular thickening. Good correlation was found between the
anatomic level of the thickening and the lesion detected on MR imaging
(r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Four tendons were thickened on
palpation and had a thickened appearance on MR imaging but no focal
lesion.
The level of the palpable tenderness correlated well with the level of increased signal intensity of the paratenon seen on STIR images (r = 0.79, p < 0.001). All 28 patients with abnormal MR imaging findings at the level of the insertion of the Achilles tendon also had maximal pain and tenderness at that level.?
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A significant difference (p = 0.02) was found in the duration of symptoms between patients with tendon insertion and calcaneal bone marrow abnormalities (mean duration, 10.2 ± 7.8 months) and patients with enlarged retrocalcaneal bursae alone (mean, 3.2 ± 3.0 months). The same was true for cases with (mean, 12.1 ± 8.9 months) and without (mean, 6.0 ± 5.0 months) thickening of the paratenon (p = 0.001).
MR Imaging and Surgical Findings
Twenty-eight patients had surgery, on average, 5.6 weeks (range, 1-15
weeks) after the MR imaging. The main MR imaging findings with surgical
correlation are listed in Table
2. Of 21 surgically detected intratendinous lesions, 20 were seen
on MR imaging (sensitivity, 95%). The lesions were best detected on axial
FLASH images (Table 2).
However, in three cases, axial FLASH images displayed the lesion as somewhat
larger than that found at surgery. In one case with a false-negative MR
finding, a small surgically detected lesion was not identified on MR imaging.
In all cases with true-positive MR findings, the lesion appeared to have a
disorganized tendon fiber structure. In six cases, a lack of continuity of
some of the tendon fibers was found at surgery, suggesting a partial rupture.
Of these six cases, four had a high-signal-intensity focus in the
intratendinous lesion on STIR images and three had that focus on T2-weighted
images. Fifteen of the 21 surgically detected intratendinous lesions were
described as soft or hard nodular areas with deranged fiber structure,
indicating degenerative changes or healed partial tears. Surgical findings in
three cases of Achilles tendons that appeared swollen did nsot reveal focal
disturbances in fiber structure. On MR images, these tendons were thickened
without a focal lesion. At surgery, 19 tendons were described to have
thickened paratenon. Twelve (63%) of these were detected on axial FLASH
images.
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MR Imaging and Histologic Findings
Histologic specimens of 13 intratendinous lesions detected on FLASH images
were obtained at surgery. Pathologic changes were found in all specimens. The
most prominent observations were tendon fiber disturbances and lack of
continuity of the collagen fibers (Fig.
3E). Light collagen staining
(Fig. 3E) and roundness of
tenocyte nuclei (Fig. 4E) were
also present in all specimens. In some tendons, active capillary proliferation
was noted (Fig. 4F). In three
specimens, vessel density was considered normal. Inflammatory cells were not
found in any speciman. In two specimens, hemosiderin pigment was found,
indicating previous hemorrhage and possible rupture. The histologic changes
were most severe in tendons with a high-signal-intensity lesion on STIR images
(n = 4).
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Long-Term Follow-Up
The interval between MR imaging and the follow-up interview was 1.5-4.5
years (mean, 3.4 years). Ninety patients with 108 (92%) painful Achilles
tendons were available for the interview. Twenty-seven of these tendons were
treated surgically. Overall, 63 tendons (58%) had excellent results; 21 good
(19%); 22 fair (20%); and 2 poor (2%). The percentages of satisfactory
(excellent or good) results of operatively and conservatively treated patients
were 78% (n = 21) and 80% (n = 65), respectively. All
patients with normal MR imaging findings fully recovered. The summary of the
long-term follow-up is presented in Table
3.
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In the conservatively treated subgroup, patients without an intratendinous lesion had better results than patients with an intratendinous lesion (Table 3). However, when subjected to statistical analysis, the results did not show significant variation (p = 0.09). Patients with an intratendinous lesion showing a high-signal-intensity center on STIR images had significantly less satisfactory recovery (p = 0.02) than patients without such a center. Surgically treated patients had similar results (Table 3).
The long-term results for both conservatively and surgically treated insertional abnormalities were significantly less satisfactory (p = 0.04 for both subgroups) than for patients with noninsertional MR imaging findings. There were two patients with poor results, and they both had surgically treated insertional abnormalities.
The group of conservatively treated patients in which findings were limited to the peritendinous tissues had significantly (p = 0.02) better long-term results than those of the patients with combined peritendinous and tendinous abnormalities. Similarly, patients with a fluid-filled retrocalcaneal bursa but no other abnormalities had significantly (p = 0.04) better outcome after conservative treatment than patients with abnormal findings at tendon insertion.
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We evaluated the ability of MR imaging in diagnosing the causes of achillodynia in athletic adults. High-resolution T1-weighted FLASH gradient-echo and fluid-sensitive STIR sequences were compared with conventional spin-echo proton density-weighted and T2-weighted sequences in diagnosing these disorders. Histopathologic correlation of detected tendon lesions was obtained.
The FLASH sequence proved effective and accurate in detection of intratendinous lesions. Small lesions were found, even when not evident on palpation. This effectiveness is in agreement with recent reports stating that the highest intrinsic signal in tendinous tissue is seen with short TE gradient-echo sequences [14, 15]. Of the lesions found at surgery, 25% would have been missed without the use of the FLASH sequence. The increased detection of the lesions on the FLASH sequence is most likely a result of the high-resolution matrix and the short TE. Only one patient had a small intratendinous lesion not detected in the preoperative MR imaging. This was probably because of volume averaging between two slices. In three tendons, the intratendinous lesion appeared somewhat larger than the lesion discovered at surgery. This appearance was likely a result of the sensitivity of the FLASH sequence for subtle changes not visible macroscopically in the tendon structure. In these tendons, the STIR and proton density-weighted images more accurately delineated the actual macroscopic size of the lesion.
Histologic specimens obtained in our study confirmed that the lesions seen on FLASH images represented abnormal tendon tissue with a lack of continuity of collagen fibers and an ongoing repair process in the Achilles tendon. This was seen in all 13 specimens. The histologic findings also correlated with the severity of the MR imaging findings; the high-signal-intensity center of the intratendinous lesion on STIR images (or T2-weighted images) represented the areas with more severe disruption of the normal collagen structure of the tendon. This correlation is in agreement with an earlier study on patients with surgically treated Achilles tendon rupture [16]. In that study, thickening of Achilles tendon with intratendinous lesions and high-signal-intensity foci on T2-weighted images was consistent with more severe derangement of tendon fiber structure [16].?,
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The shape, location, or intensity of the intratendinous lesions did not allow us to classify the lesions as degenerative versus traumatic (partial tear), as reported by other researchers [12]. We found that the signal intensity and histology of the lesions deep in the tendon substance appeared similar to the intensity and histology of lesions extending to the surface. Most often the intratendinous lesion had a longitudinal orientation, but several appeared only in a single slice. The lesions were predominantly located anteromedially in the tendon.
Surgically treated patients with a focal intratendinous lesion had better long-term results than conservatively treated patients. Surgical intervention seems to be warranted in patients with prolonged achillodynia caused by such a lesion. The number of surgically treated patients in which no focal lesion was present was too small for statistical evaluation.?
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Some studies have reported that MR imaging does not show the posterior paratenon or any abnormal changes related to it [4, 13]. High-resolution FLASH sequences allowed us to consistently evaluate the appearance of the paratenon. On the STIR sequences, the paratenon is only faintly visible when normal in thickness and signal intensity. The Achilles tendon lacks a true synovial sheath, but instead relies on the thin membranes on the dorsal, medial, and lateral sides that form the paratenon between the subcutaneous fascia cruris and the Achilles tendon for gliding function [3, 17]. With the frequency-encoding gradient of the scanner oriented anteroposteriorly, the normal paratenon is seen as a distinct layer of soft tissue against the low-signal-intensity tendon. The paratenon is normally so thin that actual measurements of this structure cannot be performed; however, with experience in the use of FLASH sequences, the appearance of the normal paratenon is quite characteristic.
Peritendinitis involves inflammation and edema in the peritendineal tissues, which are rich in vascularity [3, 17, 18]. The STIR sequence, which suppresses the high signal emanating from fat, was most important in overall evaluation of peritendinous signal changes. On STIR images, a zone of increased signal intensity limited to the posterior paratenon indicated paratenonitis.
Peritendinitis may also appear in the pre-Achilles (Kager's) fat pad anterior to the tendon [19, 20]. It is seen as increased signal intensity on STIR images and as low-intensity strands on T1-weighted sagittal spin-echo images. As many as 38% of the patients with peritendinitis had this finding in the pre-Achilles fat pad, and in 11 of the 118 cases of painful Achilles tendon this was the only finding. We suggest the terms "anterior peritendinitis" to describe abnormal signal intensity in this fat pad and "posterior peritendinitis" and "paratenonitis" to describe inflammation and thickening of the paratenon, respectively.
Chronic peritendinitis causes adhesions around the Achilles tendon. Surgical appearance includes thickening and irregularity of the paratenon [3, 4, 21, 22]. We found that patients with a thickened paratenon had an associated longer duration of symptoms than patients without the thickened paratenon. This finding is in agreement with a histologic and histochemical study by Kvist et al. [23], who found that chronic peritendinitis leads to hypertrophy of the paratenon. At surgery, the most common peritendinous finding is the chronically thickened paratenon posteriorly [21]. In our follow-up, conservatively treated patients with isolated anterior or posterior peritendinitis had a significantly better prognosis than patients with combined peritendinous and intratendinous abnormalities.
All patients with an MR diagnosis of insertional tendinosis (abnormal tendon appearance at insertion with or without calcaneal bone marrow edema on STIR images) had a clinical diagnosis of insertitis (pain at the level of the tendon insertion). Differentiating between the underlying causes was not possible on clinical examination. The tendon tapers at the level of the calcaneus, and at this level intratendinous lesions were seen without the tendon being abnormally thick (>6 mm). This anteroposterior measurement should be used only proximal to the level of the calcaneal corner as a criterion to diagnose abnormal tendon thickening related to tendinosis.
In the present study, surgically and conservatively treated patients with insertional tendinosis (with or without retrocalcaneal bursitis) had a worse prognosis than any other subgroup. This is in concordance with the results of a previous study in which distal partial ruptures had less satisfactory results after surgery than proximal ruptures [24]. However, Schepsis et al. [4] reported better results in insertional tendinosis than in patients with tendinosis more proximally.
Retrocalcaneal bursitis is considered an entity distinct from insertional tendinosis [3, 5, 8, 18]. However, they may often coexist [4]. In our study, increased fluid signal on STIR and T2-weighted images indicating retrocalcaneal bursitis was seen in 83% (n = 15) of the patients with insertional tendinosis. MR imaging enabled us to differentiate retrocalcaneal bursitis from an abnormality in the distal Achilles tendon or calcaneal bone marrow edema. This is important because patients with isolated retrocalcaneal bursitis had excellent or good long-term results.
In most cases, more than one type of abnormality was identified on MR images. As many as 68% (n = 37) of the patients with an intratendinous lesion had peritendinitis, which was typically contiguous with the area of tendon involvement. Schepsis et al. [4] found a similar association in their study of surgical treatment of Achilles tendon overuse injuries.
In our protocol, the T2-weighted dual echo spin-echo sequence did not give significant additional information. The combination of sagittal T1-weighted, axial high-resolution FLASH, and axial STIR images provided diagnostic information. The sagittal STIR images are helpful in patients with pain at the level of the tendon insertion or musculotendinous junction. The total imaging time with the protocol consisting of the three imaging sequences is approximately 15 min, including patient positioning. In some instances, imaging of the contralateral unaffected leg gives additional information, but experience with the normal and abnormal MR anatomy of the Achilles tendon decreases the need for this.
Our long-term follow-up indicates that the prognosis is worse in cases of insertional tendinosis or when high-intensity intratendinous lesions are detected. Excluding patients with insertional tendinosis, the patients with an intratendinous lesion have less satisfactory results than patients without such a lesion. Patients with isolated retrocalcaneal bursitis, isolated peritendinitis, and normal findings on MR imaging had a good prognosis.
In conclusion, high-resolution MR imaging of patients with persistent achillodynia precisely reveals abnormalities in the entire locomotor unit, including the tendon proper, the calcaneal marrow, the insertion, the retrocalcaneal bursa, the peritendinous tissues, and the musculotendinous junction. Findings on MR imaging correlate well with findings at surgery and with histopathology and also have prognostic value. We expect high-resolution MR imaging to have an increasingly significant role as an accurate and effective diagnostic method in the treatment of patients with achillodynia.
Acknowledgments
We thank Ilkka Tulikoura for his assistance in surgical cases and Nicholas
Iwasco for reviewing the manuscript.
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strom M, Gentz CF, Nilsson P,
Rausing A, Sjoberg S, Westlin N. Imaging in chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a
comparison of ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and surgical
findings in 27 histologically verified cases. Skeletal
Radiol 1996;25:615
-620[Medline]
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