Comparative ultrasonographic evaluation of the Achilles paratenon in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: an imaging study

Abstract

Achilles tendon analysis represents one of the most frequently requested ultrasonographic evaluations, due to the high incidence of tendinopathy. Various authors have described inflammatory features of the paratenon recruited 22 subjects complaining of pain in the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon and 22 healthy subjects. Both groups underwent ultrasonographic examination and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire administration. It was found statistically significant inter-group differences of the paratenon (p = 0.0001) as well as tendon thickness (p < 0.0001). Our results show that Achilles symptoms could also be associated with an increase in the paratenon thickness. We suggest that clinicians should carefully analyze paratenon thickness when evaluating patients with Achillodynia using ultrasound. It may be that the paratenon, when thickened, may explain some of the painful symptoms reported by patients and it is associated with a tendinopathy process, hence we suggest careful analysis in patients with Achillodynia.