The Volume of the Neovascularity and Its Clinical Implications in Achilles Tendinopathy

Thirty-seven pathologic Achilles tendons from 27 patients were investigated by a three-dimensional (3-D) power Doppler ultrasound system. Both the volume of the neovascularity (VON) and the volume of Achilles tendon (VOAT) were investigated. VON-VOAT index (VVI), as the normalization of the neovascularization, was accordingly calculated. Patient's clinical indications were assessed using the visual analog scale for pain (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Achilles (VISA-A). Relationships between VAS and VON, VISA-A and VON, VAS and VOAT, VISA-A and VOAT, VAS and VVI, and VISA-A and VVI, were statistically analyzed. The vascular mapping within and surrounding the symptomatic Achilles tendons was investigated. 97.3% of the Achilles tendons were found to have neovascularization. In 55.6% of these Achilles, the neovascularity was associated with the location of thickening. The VAS was found to be positively correlated with the VON and the VVI, the VON was found to be independent from the VOAT.