Quantitative assessment of intravascular volume of the human Achilles tendon

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Abstract
The pathogenesis of Achilles tendon rupture remains unclear, but vascular patterns may play an important role. We determined the intravascular volume of the Achilles tendon using a new method with injection of radioisotopes. A solution of Tc-99m and gelatin-ink was injected into the lower limbs of body donors. The intravascular volume of each 1 cm section of the Achilles tendon was measured using a gamma well counter. We found that the distal part of the Achilles tendon (0-2 cm above the calcaneus) had an intravascular volume of 59-98 w L/g tendon tissue. In the middle part of the tendon (3-6 cm above the calcaneal insertion), the intravascular volume was much less: 27-43 w L/g tissue. The proximal part of the tendon (7-9 cm) had an intravascular volume between 51-100 w L/g tendon tissue. The reduced vascularization in the middle part of the human Achilles tendon may play a role in degeneration and spontaneous rupture of the tendon.

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