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Recovery of the collagen structure following Achilles tendon rupture is poor, resulting in a high risk for re-ruptures. The loading environment during healing affects the mechanical properties of the tendon, but the relation between loading regime and healing outcome remains unclear. This is partially due to our limited understanding regarding the effects of loading on the micro-and nanostructure of the heal-ing tissue. We addressed this through a combination of synchrotron phase-contrast X-ray microtomog-raphy and small-angle X-ray scattering tensor tomography (SASTT) to visualize the 3D organization of microscale fibers and nanoscale fibrils, respectively. The effect of in vivo loading on these structures was characterized in early healing of rat Achilles tendons by comparing full activity with immobilization. Un-loading resulted in structural changes that can explain the reported impaired mechanical performance. In particular, unloading led to slower tissue regeneration and maturation, with less and more disorganized collagen, as well as an increased presence of adipose tissue. This study provides the first application of SASTT on soft musculoskeletal tissues and clearly demonstrates its potential to investigate a variety of other collagenous tissues., Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg KAW Foundation [2017.0221]; European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union [101002516]; Royal Physiographic Society of Lund [41380]; Greta and Johan Kocks foundation [188_20201015_071]; Magnus Bergvall foundation [2020-03683]; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports [P2020-00 6 6]; European Research Council [ERC-2020-StG 949301]

Background: Both acute and chronic Achilles tendon ruptures are affected by alterations in the extracellular matrix during the healing process of the tendon. Yet, these alterations in gene expression patterns are not well characterized.Purpose: To characterize temporal and spatial differences in gene expression patterns after an Achilles tendon rupture and to evaluate if cells from chronic Achilles tendon ruptures have the same ability to form new tendon tissue (tendon constructs) as healthy tendon cells.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: A total of 35 patients with surgically treated Achilles tendon ruptures were included in the study and divided into 3 groups: acute (<4 weeks), short-term chronic (1-6 months), and long-term chronic (>6 months). Biopsy specimens were collected during surgical repair and were used to analyze the gene expression within the different groups and to compare mRNA levels in the proximal and distal tendon ends. A complementary in vitro experiment was performed to evaluate if cells from chronic Achilles tendon ruptures can form tendon constructs.Results: The mRNA levels for COL1A1 and COL3A1 were significantly higher in the short-term chronic group compared with the acute group (P < .05). Both MMP-1 and MMP-13 had the highest mRNA levels in the acute group (P < .01) compared with the long-term chronic group, while MMP-2 had the highest mRNA level in the short-term chronic group. Significant differences between the proximal and distal tendon ends were only detected for the monocyte and macrophage marker CD163 (P < .05), which was more expressed proximally. Cells extracted from chronic Achilles tendon ruptures displayed a similar ability and effectiveness to form tendon constructs as healthy tendon cells.Conclusion: A high collagenase gene activity after an Achilles tendon rupture indicated possible rapid matrix degradation in the acute phase. Chronic ruptures appeared to initiate the healing

Tendons are collagen-based connective tissues where the composition, structure and mechanics respond and adapt to the local mechanical environment. Adaptation to prolonged inactivity can result in stiffer tendons that are more prone to injury. However, the complex relation between reduced loading, structure, and mechanical performance is still not fully understood. This study combines mechanical testing with high-resolution synchrotron X-ray imaging, scattering techniques and histology to elucidate how reduced loading affects the structural properties and mechanical response of rat Achilles tendons on multiple length scales. The results show that reduced in vivo loading leads to more crimped and less organized fibers and this structural inhomogeneity could be the reason for the altered mechanical response. Unloading also seems to change the fibril response, possibly by altering the strain partitioning between hierarchical levels, and to reduce cell density. This study elucidates the relation between in vivo loading, the Achilles tendon nano-, meso-structure and mechanical response. The results provide fundamental insights into the mechanoregulatory mechanisms guiding the intricate biomechanics, tissue structural organization, and performance of complex collagen-based tissues.Statement of significance Achilles tendon properties allow a dynamic interaction between muscles and tendon and influence force transmission during locomotion. Lack of physiological loading can have dramatic effects on tendon structure and mechanical properties. We have combined the use of cutting-edge high-resolution synchrotron techniques with mechanical testing to show how reduced loading affects the tendon on multiple hierarchical levels (from nanoscale up to whole organ) clarifying the relation between structural changes and mechanical performance. Our findings set the first step to address a significant healthcare challenge, such as the design of tailored rehabilitations that take into con, Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg KAW Foundation [2017.0221]; European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union [101002516]; Royal Physiographic Society of Lund [41380]; Greta and Johan Kocks foundation; Swedish Research Council [VR2017-00990]; Swedish National centre for Research in Sports [P2021-0032]; Magnus Bergvall foundation [2019-03211]; Ake Wiberg foundation [M20-0021]; European Union [701647, 731019]

Achilles tendon rupture is a common debilitating medical condition. The healing process is slow and can be affected by heterotopic ossification (HO), which occurs when pathologic bone-like tissue is deposited instead of the soft collagenous tendon tissue. Little is known about the temporal and spatial progression of HO during Achilles tendon healing. In this study we characterize HO deposition, microstructure, and location at different stages of healing in a rat model. We use phase contrast-enhanced synchrotron microtomography, a state-of-the-art technique that allows 3D imaging at high-resolution of soft biological tissues without invasive or time-consuming sample preparation. The results increase our understanding of HO deposition, from the early inflammatory phase of tendon healing, by showing that the deposition is initiated as early as one week after injury in the distal stump and mostly growing on preinjury HO deposits. Later, more deposits form first in the stumps and then all over the tendon callus, merging into large, calcified structures, which occupy up to 10% of the tendon volume. The HOs were characterized by a looser connective trabecular-like structure and a proteoglycan-rich matrix containing chondrocyte-like cells with lacunae. The study shows the potential of 3D imaging at high-resolution by phase-contrast tomography to better understand ossification in healing tendons., Funding Agencies|Centrum foer idrottsforskning (CIF) [2017-00990]; EC | European Research Council (ERC) [101002516]; Greta och Johan Kocks stiftelser (Johan and Greta Kock Trust) [188_20201015_071]; Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse (Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation) [2017.0221]; Kungliga Fysiografiska Saellskapet i Lund (Royal Physiographic Society in Lund) [41380]; Magnus Bergvall foundation [2020-03683]; ake Wiberg foundation [M21-0021]; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports [P2020-0066]

The specific viscoelastic mechanical properties of Achilles tendons are highly dependent on the structural characteristics of collagen at and between all hierarchical levels. Research has been conducted on the defor-mation mechanisms of positional tendons and single fibrils, but knowledge about the coupling between the whole tendon and nanoscale deformation mechanisms of more commonly injured energy-storing tendons, such as Achilles tendons, remains sparse. By exploiting the highly periodic arrangement of tendons at the nanoscale, in situ loading of rat Achilles tendons during small-angle X-ray scattering acquisition was used to investigate the collagen structural response during load to rupture, cyclic loading and stress relaxation. The fibril strain was substantially lower than the applied tissue strain. The fibrils strained linearly in the elastic region of the tissue, but also exhibited viscoelastic properties, such as an increased stretchability and recov-ery during cyclic loading and fibril strain relaxation during tissue stress relaxation. We demonstrate that the changes in the width of the collagen reflections could be attributed to strain heterogeneity and not changes in size of the coherently diffracting domains. Fibril strain heterogeneity increased with applied loads and after the toe region, fibrils also became increasingly disordered. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of radiation damage was performed. In conclusion, this study clearly displays the simultaneous structural response and adaption of the collagen fibrils to the applied tissue loads and provide novel information about the transition of loads between length scales in the Achilles tendon. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union [731019]; European Union; [101002516]

Heterotopic mineralization entails pathological mineral formation inside soft tissues. In human tendons miner-alization is often associated with tendinopathies, tendon weakness and pain. In Achilles tendons, mineralization is considered to occur through heterotopic ossification (HO) primarily in response to tendon pathologies. However, refined details regarding HO deposition and microstructure are unknown. In this study, we charac-terize HO in intact rat Achilles tendons through high-resolution phase contrast enhanced synchrotron X-ray tomography. Furthermore, we test the potential of studying local tissue injury by needling intact Achilles tendons and the relation between tissue microdamage and HO. The results show that HO occurs in all intact Achilles tendons at 16 weeks of age. HO deposits are characterized by an elongated ellipsoidal shape and by a fiber-like internal structure which suggests that some collagen fibers have mineralized. The data indicates that deposition along fibers initiates in the pericellular area, and propagates into the intercellular area. Within HO deposits cells are larger and more rounded compared to tenocytes between unmineralized fibers, which are fewer and elon-gated. The results also indicate that multiple HO deposits may merge into bigger structures with time by accession along unmineralized fibers. Furthermore, the presence of unmineralized regions within the deposits may indicate that HOs are not only growing, but mineral resorption may also occur. Additionally, phase contrast synchrotron X-ray tomography allowed to distinguish microdamage at the fiber level in response to needling. The needle injury protocol could in the future enable to elucidate the relation between local inflammation, micro-damage, and HO deposition., Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg KAW Foundation; European Research Council (ERC) under the European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme [2017.0221]; Swedish Research Council [101002516]; Royal Physiographic Society of Lund [2017-00990]; Greta and Johan Kocks foundation; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports; Magnus Bergvall Foundation [P2021-0032]; Ake Wiberg Foundation [2019-03211]; European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant [M20-0021]; [701647]

Permanent loss of muscle function seen after an Achilles tendon rupture may partly be explained by tendon elongation and accompanying shortening of the muscle. Muscle fascicle length shortens, serial sarcomere number is reduced, and the sarcomere length is unchanged after Achilles tendon transection (ATT), and these changes are mitigated with suturing. The method involved in this study was a controlled laboratory study. Two groups of rats underwent ATT on one side with a contralateral control (CTRL): A) ATT with 3 mm removal of the Achilles tendon and no suturing (substantial tendon elongation), and B) ATT with suture repair (minimal tendon elongation). The operated limb was immobilized for 2 wk to reduce load. Four weeks after surgery the rats were euthanized, and hindlimbs were analyzed for tendon length, gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle mass, length, fascicle length, sarcomere number and length. No differences were observed between the groups, and in both groups the Achilles tendon length was longer (15.2%, P < 0.001), GM muscle mass was smaller (17.5%, P < 0.001), and muscle length was shorter (8.2%, P < 0.001) on the ATT compared with CTRL side. GM fascicle length was shorter (11.2%, P < 0.001), and sarcomere number was lower (13.8%, P < 0.001) on the ATT side in all regions. Sarcomere length was greater in the proximal (5.8%, P < 0.001) and mid (4.2%, P 1/4 0.003), but not distal region on the ATT side. In this animal model, regardless of suturing, ATT resulted in tendon elongation, loss of muscle mass and length, and reduced serial sarcomere number, which resulted in an "overshoot" lengthening of the sarcomeres., Funding Agencies|Novo Nordisk Foundation [NNF180C0052371]; Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital; Swedish Society of Medicine [SLS-935267]; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports [P2020-0066]; Magnus Bergvalls Stiftelse (Magnus Bergvall Foundation) [M21-0021]; Swedish Research Council [2017-00990]

Mast cells are emerging as players in the communication between peripheral nerve endings and cells of the immune system. However, it is not clear the mechanism by which mast cells communicate with peripheral nerves. We previously found that mast cells located within healing tendons can express glutamate receptors, raising the possibility that mast cells may be sensitive to glutamate signaling. To evaluate this hypothesis, we stimulated primary mast cells with glutamate and showed that glutamate induced the profound upregulation of a panel of glutamate receptors of both the ionotropic type (NMDAR1, NMDAR2A, and NMDAR2B) and the metabotropic type (mGluR2 and mGluR7) at both the mRNA and protein levels. The binding of glutamate to glutamate receptors on the mast cell surface was confirmed. Further, glutamate had extensive effects on gene expression in the mast cells, including the upregulation of pro-inflammatory components such as IL-6 and CCL2. Glutamate also induced the upregulation of transcription factors, including Egr2, Egr3 and, in particular, FosB. The extensive induction of FosB was confirmed by immunofluorescence assessment. Glutamate receptor antagonists abrogated the responses of the mast cells to glutamate, supporting the supposition of a functional glutamate-glutamate receptor axis in mast cells. Finally, we provide in vivo evidence supporting a functional glutamate-glutamate receptor axis in the mast cells of injured tendons. Together, these findings establish glutamate as an effector of mast cell function, thereby introducing a novel principle for how cells in the immune system can communicate with nerve cells., Funding Agencies|AFA Forsakring; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council; Swedish Cancer Foundation; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation; Swedish Child Cancer Foundation; Knut and Alice Wallenberg FoundationKnut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation; regional agreement on medical training and clinical research (ALF)

Ruptures to tendons are common and costly, and no clinical consensus exists on the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation regimen to promote their healing as well as full recovery of functionality. Although mechanobiology is known to play an important role in tendon regeneration, the understanding of how mechano-regulated processes affect tendon healing needs further clarification. Many small-animal studies, particularly in rats and mice, have characterized the progression of healing in terms of geometrical, structural, compositional, mechanical, and cellular properties. Some of the properties are also studied under different mechanical loading regimens. The focus of this review is to summarize and generalize the information in the literature regarding spatial and temporal differentiation of tendon properties during rodent tendon healing following full-tendon transection, as well as how this is affected by altered in vivo loading regimens., Funding Agencies|European UnionEuropean Commission [713645]; Knut and Alice Wallenberg KAW Foundation (Wallenberg Academy) [2017.0221]; European Research Council (ERC) under the European UnionEuropean Research Council (ERC) [101002516]

Achilles tendons are mechanosensitive, and their complex hierarchical structure is in part the result of the mechanical stimulation conveyed by the muscles. To fully understand how their microstructure responds to mechanical loading a non-invasive approach for 3D high resolution imaging suitable for soft tissue is required. Here we propose a protocol that can capture the complex 3D organization of the Achilles tendon microstructure, using phase-contrast enhanced synchrotron micro-tomography (SR-PhC-mu CT). We investigate the effects that sample preparation and imaging conditions have on the resulting image quality, by considering four types of sample preparations and two imaging setups (sub-micrometric and micrometric final pixel sizes). The image quality is assessed using four quantitative parameters. The results show that for studying tendon collagen fibers, conventional invasive sample preparations such as fixation and embedding are not necessary or advantageous. Instead, fresh frozen samples result in high-quality images that capture the complex 3D organization of tendon fibers in conditions as close as possible to natural. The comprehensive nature of this innovative study by SR-PhC-mu CT breaks ground for future studies of soft complex biological tissue in 3D with high resolution in close to natural conditions, which could be further used for in situ characterization of how soft tissue responds to mechanical stimuli on a microscopic level., Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg KAW FoundationKnut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation [2017.0221]; Carl Trygger Foundation [18:166]; European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skodowska-Curie Grant [701647]

Tendon tissue storage and preconditioning are often used in biomechanical experiments and whether this generates alterations in tissue properties is essential to know. The effect of storage and preconditioning on dense connective tissues, like tendons, is fairly understood. However, healing tendons are unlike and contain a loose connective tissue. Therefore, we investigated if storage of healing tendons in the fridge or freezer changed the mechanical properties compared to fresh tendons, using a pull-to-failure or a creep test. Tissue morphology and cell viability were also evaluated. Additionally, two preconditioning levels were tested. Rats underwent Achilles tendon transection and were euthanized 12 days postoperatively. Statistical analyzes were done with one-way ANOVA or Students t-test. Tissue force and stress were unaltered by storage and preconditioning compared to fresh samples, while high preconditioning increased the stiffness and modulus (p <= 0.007). Furthermore, both storage conditions did not modify the viscoelastic properties of the healing tendon, but altered transverse area, gap length, and water content. Cell viability was reduced after freezing. In conclusion, preconditioning on healing tissues can introduce mechanical data bias when having extensive tissue strength diversity. Storage can be used before biomechanical testing if structural properties are measured on the day of testing., Funding Agencies|Linkoping University Library

This work explores the modelling of soft tissues, particularly the Achilles tendon, using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF).The anisotropic Gasser-Ogden-Holzapfel (GOH) potential energy function provided the necessary anisotropic elastic feature descriptions. A generalized one-dimensional Maxwell model described the viscoelastic effects. Finally, a parameter-based damage model characterized the effects of repetitive loading. We used an objectivity test to establish multibody system dynamics usability. The test ascertains whether or not the developed elements can adequately describe rigid body motion and therefore be applied to describe large deformation in whole bodies. Comparing our results against high-fidelity ANSYS 3D FEA solutions served as verification. To further ensure the validity of the obtained solutions, our results were also compared against test results. For modelling material behaviour, the developed ANCF elements demonstrated substantial fidelity, and simulation results agreed well with test results and results found in the literature., Funding Agencies|Research Foundation of Lappeenranta University of Technology; Academy of FinlandAcademy of FinlandEuropean Commission [299033]

Mechanical loading affects tendon healing and recovery. However, our understanding about how physical loading affects recovery of viscoelastic functions, collagen production and tissue organisation is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate how different magnitudes of loading affects biomechanical and collagen properties of healing Achilles tendons over time. Achilles tendon from female Sprague Dawley rats were cut transversely and divided into two groups; normal loading (control) and reduced loading by Botox (unloading). The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2- and 4-weeks post-injury and mechanical testing (creep test and load to failure), small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and histological analysis were performed. The effect of unloading was primarily seen at the early time points, with inferior mechanical and collagen properties (SAXS), and reduced histological maturation of the tissue in unloaded compared to loaded tendons. However, by 4 weeks no differences remained. SAXS and histology revealed heterogeneous tissue maturation with more mature tissue at the peripheral region compared to the center of the callus. Thus, mechanical loading advances Achilles tendon biomechanical and collagen properties earlier compared to unloaded tendons, and the spatial variation in tissue maturation and collagen organization across the callus suggests important regional (mechano-) biological activities that require more investigation., Funding Agencies|European Communitys Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-2013) [262348]; Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship for Career DevelopmentEuropean Union (EU) [PIEF-GA-2012-626941]; Knut and Alice Wallenberg FoundationKnut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation [2017.0221]

Tendon cells exist in a dense extracellular matrix and mechanical loading is important for the strength development of this matrix. We therefore use a three-dimensional (3D) culture system for tendon formation in vitro. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the temporal expression of tendon-related genes during the formation of artificial tendons in vitro and to investigate if early growth response-1 (EGR1), EGR2, FOS, and cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (PTGS1 and PTGS2) are sensitive to mechanical loading. First, we studied messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of several tendon-related genes during formation of tendon constructs. Second, we studied the mRNA levels of, for example, EGR1 and EGR2 after different degrees of loading; dynamic physiologic-range loading (2.5% strain), dynamic overloading (approximately 10% strain), or tension release. The gene expression for tendon-related genes (i.e., EGR2, MKX, TNMD, COL3A1) increased with time after seeding into this 3D model. EGR1, EGR2, FOS, PTGS1, and PTGS2 did not respond to physiologic-range loading. But overloading (and tension release) lead to elevated levels of EGR1 and EGR2 (p amp;lt;= 0.006). FOS and PTGS2 were increased after overloading (both p amp;lt; 0.007) but not after tension release (p = 0.06 and 0.08). In conclusion, the expression of tendon-related genes increases during the formation of artificial tendons in vitro, including EGR2. Furthermore, the gene expression of EGR1 and EGR2 in human tendon cells appear to be sensitive to overloading and unloading but did not respond to the single episode of physiologic-range loading. These findings could be helpful for the understanding of tendon tensional homeostasis. (c) 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res, Funding Agencies|Lundbeck FoundationLundbeckfonden [R198-2015-207]; Nordea Foundation (Center of Healthy Aging) [NF-007IOC]; IOC Sports Medicine Copenhagen; Danish Medical Research CouncilDanish Medical Research Council [0602-02960B]; Swedish Society for Medical Research; Lions Research Foundation; Magnus Bergvall Foundation [2015-01169, 2016-01811]; Swedish Research Council for Sport Science [P2017-0109, D2017-0021]; Swedish Fund for Research without Animal Experiments

Elastic fibers containing elastin play an important role in tendon functionality, but the knowledge on presence and function of elastin during tendon healing is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate elastin content and distribution in intact and healing Achilles tendons and to understand how elastin influence the viscoelastic properties of tendons. The right Achilles tendon was completely transected in 81 Sprague-Dawley rats. Elastin content was quantified in intact and healing tendons (7, 14, and 28 days post-surgery) and elastin distribution was visualized by immunohistochemistry at 14 days post-surgery. Degradation of elastin by elastase incubation was used to study the role of elastin on viscoelastic properties. Mechanical testing was either performed as a cyclic test (20x 10 N) or as a creep test. We found significantly higher levels of elastin in healing tendons at all time-points compared to intact tendons (4% in healing tendons 28 days post-surgery vs 2% in intact tendons). The elastin was more widely distributed throughout the extracellular matrix in the healing tendons in contrast to the intact tendon where the distribution was not so pronounced. Elastase incubation reduced the elastin levels by approximately 30% and led to a 40%-50% reduction in creep. This reduction was seen in both intact and healing tendons. Our results show that healing tendons contain more elastin and is more compliable than intact tendons. The role of elastin in tendon healing and tissue compliance indicates a protective role of elastic fibers to prevent re-injuries during early tendon healing. Plain Language Summary Tendons transfer high loads from muscles to bones during locomotion. They are primarily made by the protein collagen, a protein that provide strength to the tissues. Besides collagen, tendons also contain other building blocks such as, for example, elastic fibers. Elastic fibers contain elastin and elastin is important for the extensibility of the tendon. Wh, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [VR2017-00990]; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports [P2018-0140, P2019-0053]; Magnus Bergvalls Stiftelse (Magnus Bergvall Foundation); Swedish Society of Medicine; Linkoping University [LIO-796831]; Ostergotland Country council [LIO-796831]

Background Tendon loading might play a role in the development of heterotopic ossification after Achilles tendon ruptures. Early heavy loading on a healing tendon in animals has been shown to prolong the proinflammatory response, and inflammatory cells are thought to drive heterotopic ossification formation. Taken together, this suggests that early rehabilitation might influence heterotopic ossification development. Questions/purposes The purposes of this study were to investigate (1) whether the presence of heterotopic ossification after Achilles tendon ruptures influences clinical outcome and (2) whether early mobilization or weightbearing prevents the development of heterotopic ossification. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 69 patients from a previous clinical trial. All patients were treated surgically, but with three different early rehabilitation protocols after surgery: late weightbearing and ankle immobilization, late weightbearing and ankle mobilization, and early weightbearing and ankle mobilization. Plain radiographs taken 2, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively were analyzed for heterotopic ossification, which was detected in 19% of patients (13 of 69) at 52 weeks. Heterotopic ossification was measured, scored, and correlated to clinical outcomes; heel-raise index (HRI), ankle joint ROM, tendon strain, Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS), and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire scores at 26 and 52 weeks postoperatively. Results Heterotopic ossification had no adverse effects on patient-reported outcomes (ATRS or VISA-A), tendon strain, or ROM. In fact, patients with heterotopic ossification tended to have a better HRI at 52 weeks compared with patients without (mean difference 14% [95% CI -0.2 to 27]; p = 0.053). Neither the occurrence (heterotopic ossification/no heterotopic ossification) nor the heterotopic ossification severity (ossification score) differed between the three rehabilitation groups. Se

We have previously shown that changes in the microbiome influence how the healing tendon responds to different treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate if changes in the microbiome influence the response to mechanical loading during tendon healing. 90 Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Specific Opportunist and Pathogen Free (SOPF) rats were co-housed with Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) rats, carrying Staphylococcus aureus and other opportunistic microbes. After 6 weeks of co-housing, the SOPF rats were contaminated which was confirmed by Staphylococcus aureus growth. Clean SOPF rats were used as controls. The rats were randomized to full loading or partial unloading by Botox injections in their calf muscles followed by complete Achilles tendon transection. Eight days later, the healing tendons were tested mechanically. The results were analysed by a 2-way ANOVA with interaction between loading and contamination on peak force as the primary outcome and there was an interaction for both peak force (p = 0.049) and stiffness (p = 0.033). Furthermore, partial unloading had a profound effect on most outcome variables. In conclusion, the response to mechanical loading during tendon healing is influenced by changes in the microbiome. Studies aiming for clinical relevance should therefore consider the microbiome of laboratory animals., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [VR 02031-47-5]; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports [P218-0140]; Linkoping University [LIO-698351]; Lions Research Foundation; Ostergotland Country Council [LIO-698351]

Recent experimental evidence indicates potential adverse effects of statin treatment on tendons but previous clinical studies are few and inconclusive. The aims of our study were, first, to determine whether statin use in a cohort design is associated with tendinopathy disorders, and second, to experimentally understand the pathogenesis of statin induced tendinopathy. We studied association between statin use and different tendon injuries in two population-based Swedish cohorts by time-dependent Cox regression analysis. Additionally, we tested simvastatin in a 3D cell culture model with human tenocytes. Compared with never-users, current users of statins had a higher incidence of trigger finger with adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of 1.50 for men (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.85) and 1.21 (1.02-1.43) for women. We also found a higher incidence of shoulder tendinopathy in both men (aHR 1.43; 1.24-1.65) and women (aHR 1.41; 0.97-2.05). Former users did not confer a higher risk of tendinopathies. In vitro experiments revealed an increased release of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-13 and a weaker, disrupted matrix after simvastatin exposure. Current statin use seems to increase the risk of trigger finger and shoulder tendinopathy, possibly through increased MMP release, and subsequently, a weakened tendon matrix which will be more prone to injuries., Funding Agencies|Swedish Society for Medical Research; Lions Research Foundation; Magnus Bergvall Foundation; Swedish Research Council for Sport Science; Swedish Fund for Research Without Animal Experiments; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2017-00644]

Background: Treatment strategies for Achilles tendon rupture vary considerably, and clinical outcome may depend on the magnitude of tendon elongation after surgical repair. The aim of this project was to examine whether tendon elongation, mechanical properties, and functional outcomes during rehabilitation of surgically repaired acute Achilles tendon ruptures were influenced by different rehabilitation regimens during the early postsurgical period. Hypothesis: Restricted early weightbearing that permits only limited motion about the ankle in the early phase of tendon healing limits tendon elongation and improves functional outcome. Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: 75 consecutive patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture were included. They underwent surgical repair, and tantalum beads were placed in the distal and proximal parts of the tendon; thereafter, the patients were randomized into 3 groups. The first group was completely restricted from weightbearing until week 7. The second group was completely restricted from weightbearing until week 7 but performed ankle joint mobilization exercises. The first and second groups were allowed full weightbearing after week 8. The third group was allowed partial weightbearing from day 1 and full weightbearing from week 5. All patients received the same instructions in home exercise guidelines starting from week 9. Results: The rehabilitation regimen in the initial 8 weeks did not significantly influence any of the measured outcomes including tendon elongation. Achilles tendon elongation and tendon compliance continued for up to 6 months after surgery, and muscle strength, muscle endurance, and patient-reported functional scores did not reach normal values at 12 months. Conclusion: Differences in rehabilitation loading pattern in the initial 8 weeks after the repair of an Achilles tendon rupture did not measurably alter the outcome. The time to recover full function after an Achille, Funding Agencies|Lundbeck foundation; Nordea Foundation (Center of Healthy Aging); IOC Research Center Sports Medicine Copenhagen; Danish Medical Research Council; Swedish Society for Medical Research

Background: The immune system reflects the microbiome (microbiota). Modulation of the immune system during early tendon remodeling by dexamethasone treatment can improve rat Achilles tendon healing. The authors tested whether changes in the microbiota could influence the effect of dexamethasone treatment. Hypothesis: A change in microbiome would influence the response to dexamethasone on regenerate remodeling, specifically tendon material properties (peak stress). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Specific opportunist and pathogen-free female rats were housed separately (n = 41) or together with specific pathogen-free rats carrying opportunistic microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus (n = 41). After 6 weeks, all co-housed rats appeared healthy but now carried S aureus. Changes in the gut bacterial flora were tested by API and RapID biochemical tests. All rats (clean and contaminated) underwent Achilles tendon transection under aseptic conditions. Flow cytometry was performed 8 days postoperatively on tendon tissue. Sixty rats received subcutaneous dexamethasone or saline injections on days 5 through 9 after transection. The tendons were tested mechanically on day 12. The predetermined primary outcome was the interaction between contamination and dexamethasone regarding peak stress, tested by 2-way analysis of variance. Results: Dexamethasone increased peak stress in all groups but more in contaminated rats (105%) than in clean rats (53%) (interaction, P = .018). A similar interaction was found for an estimate of elastic modulus (P = .021). Furthermore, dexamethasone treatment reduced transverse area but had small effects on peak force and stiffness. In rats treated with saline only, contamination reduced peak stress by 16% (P = .04) and elastic modulus by 35% (P = .004). Contamination led to changes in the gut bacterial flora and higher levels of T cells (CD3+CD4+) in the healing tendon (P < .05). Conclusion: Chan, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council [VR 02031-47-5]; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports, Linkoping University; Ostergotland County Council

Mechanical loading stimulates tendon healing both when applied in the inflammatory phase and in the early remodeling phase of the process, although not necessarily via the same mechanisms. We investigated the gene response to mechanical loading in these two phases of tendon healing. The right Achilles tendon in rats was transected, and the hindlimbs were unloaded by tail suspension. The rats were exposed to 5 min of treadmill running 3 or 14 days after tendon transection. Thereafter, they were resuspended for 15 min or 3 h until euthanasia. The controls were suspended continuously. Gene analysis was first performed by microarray analysis followed by quantitative RTPCR on selected genes, focusing on inflammation. Fifteen minutes after loading, the most important genes seemed to be the transcription factors EGR1 and C-FOS, regardless of healing phase. These transcription factors might promote tendon cell proliferation and differentiation, stimulate collagen production, and regulate inflammation. Three hours after loading on day 3, inflammation was strongly affected. Seven inflammation-related genes were upregulated according to PCR: CCL20, CCL7, IL-6, NFIL3, PTX3, SOCS1, and TLR2. These genes can be connected to macrophages, T cells, and recruitment of leukocytes. According to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, the recruitment of leukocytes was increased by loading on day 3, which also was confirmed by histology. This inflammation-related gene response was not seen on day 14. Our results suggest that the immediate gene response after mechanical loading is similar in the early and late phases of healing but the late gene response is different. NEW amp; NOTEWORTHY This study investigates the direct effect of mechanical loading on gene expression during different healing phases in tendon healing. One isolated episode of mechanical loading was studied in otherwise unloaded healing tendons. This enabled us to study a time sequence, i.e., which genes were the first ones to be regu, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council [K2013-52X-02031-47-5]; Swedish National Centre for Research in Sports

The healing process of ruptured tendons is problematic due to scar tissue formation and deteriorated material properties, and in some cases, it may take nearly a year to complete. Mechanical loading has been shown to positively influence tendon healing; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Computational mechanobiology methods employed extensively to model bone healing have achieved high fidelity. This study aimed to investigate whether an established hyperelastic fibre-reinforced continuum model introduced by Gasser, Ogden and Holzapfel (GOH) can be used to capture the mechanical behaviour of the Achilles tendon under loading during discrete timepoints of the healing process and to assess the models sensitivity to its microstructural parameters. Curve fitting of the GOH model against experimental tensile testing data of rat Achilles tendons at four timepoints during the tendon repair was used and achieved excellent fits (0.9903 amp;lt; R-2 amp;lt; 0.9986). A parametric sensitivity study using a three-level central composite design, which is a fractional factorial design method, showed that the collagen-fibre-related parameters in the GOH model-kappa, k(1) and k(2)-had almost equal influence on the fitting. This study demonstrates that the GOH hyperelastic fibre-reinforced model is capable of describing the mechanical behaviour of healing tendons and that further experiments should focus on establishing the structural and material parameters of collagen fibres in the healing tissue., Funding Agencies|Oxford Mechanobiology Group; Oxford Solid Mechanics Group; BOTNAR Research Centre, Oxford; Biomedical Engineering Department, Lund University

The pathogenesis of trigger finger has generally been ascribed to primary changes in the first annular ligament. In contrast, we recently found histological changes in the tendons, similar to the findings in Achilles tendinosis or tendinopathy. We therefore hypothesized that trigger finger tendons would show differences in gene expression in comparison to normal tendons in a pattern similar to what is published for Achilles tendinosis. We performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction on biopsies from finger flexor tendons, 13 trigger fingers and 13 apparently healthy control tendons, to assess the expression of 10 genes which have been described to be differently expressed in tendinosis (collagen type 1a1, collagen 3a1, MMP-2, MMP-3, ADAMTS-5, TIMP-3, aggrecan, biglycan, decorin, and versican). In trigger finger tendons, collagen types 1a1 and 3a1, aggrecan and biglycan were all up-regulated, and MMP-3and TIMP-3 were down-regulated. These changes were statistically significant and have been previously described for Achilles tendinosis. The remaining four genes were not significantly altered. The changes in gene expression support the hypothesis that trigger finger is a form of tendinosis. Because trigger finger is a common condition, often treated surgically, it could provide opportunities for clinical research on tendinosis.

Background and purpose Should blockade of TNF-alpha be avoided after orthopedic surgery? Healing of injuries in soft tissues and bone starts with a brief inflammatory phase. Modulation of inflammatory signaling might therefore interfere with healing. For example, Cox inhibitors impair healing in animal models of tendon, ligament, and bone injury, as well as in fracture patients. TNF-alpha is expressed locally at increased levels during early healing of these tissues. We therefore investigated whether blocking of TNF-alpha with etanercept influences the healing process in established rat models of injury of tendons and metaphyseal bone. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods Rats were injected with etanercept, 3.5 mg/kg 3 times a week. Healing of transected Achilles tendons and bone healing around screws implanted in the tibial metaphysis were estimated by mechanical testing. Tendons were allowed to heal either with or without mechanical loading. Ectopic bone induction following intramuscular BMP-2 implants has previously been shown to be stimulated by etanercept in rodents. This was now tested as a positive control. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults Tendon peak force after 10 days was not significantly influenced by etanercept. Changes exceeding 29% could be excluded with 95% confidence. Likewise, screw pull-out force was not significantly influenced. More than 25% decrease or 18% increase could be excluded with 95% confidence. However, etanercept treatment increased the amount of bone induced by intramuscular BMP-2 implants, as estimated by blind histological scoring. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanInterpretation Etanercept does not appear to impair tendon or metaphyseal bone healing to any substantial degree., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council|2009-6725|Linkoping University, Ostergotland County Council, Swedish Centre for Research in Sports||King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria Free Mason Foundation

Background and purpose:Extracellular matrix remodelling is altered in rotator cuff tears,16partly due to altered expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. It is unclear if this altered expression can be traced as changes in plasma protein levels. The purposes were to measure the plasma level of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) inpatients with rotator cuff tears and to relate changes in the pattern of MMP and TIMP levels with the extent of the rotator cuff tear. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 17 patients, median 61 (range 39-77) years, with sonographically verified rotator cuff tears (partial- or full-thickness). These were compared with 16 gender and age matched control persons with sonographically intact rotator cuffs. Plasma levels of MMPs and TIMPs were measured simultaneously using Luminex technology and ELISA. Results: The plasma level of TIMP-1 was elevated in patients with rotator cuff tears, especially in those with full-thickness tears. The levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-3 and MMP-9 were higher in patients with full-thickness tears compared to those with partial-thickness tears, but only TIMP-1 was different from controls. Interpretation: The observed elevation of TIMP-1 in plasma might reflect local pathological processes in or around the rotator cuff, or a genetic predisposition in these patients. That levels of TIMP-1 and certain MMP´s was found to differ between partial and full thickness tears may reflect the extent of the lesion or different aetiology and pathomechanisms.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.