Editorial
Diagnostic Imaging for Achilles Tendinopathy: Unnecessary Scans? Valuable Insights? Multi-disciplinary Clinician-Scientists Present a Nuanced View
The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, Vol.54(1), pp.6-9
01/2024
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2023.12255
PMID: 37970634
Abstract
SYNOPSIS: Clinical practice guidelines for Achilles tendinopathy do not recommend imaging to inform diagnosis. However, there is considerable variation in how imaging is used, particularly in research and sports. Early imaging risks that people who see the images presume that what they 'see' as pathology is the primary cause of pain; patients might end up receiving invasive treatments on the basis of the image when rehabilitation may suffice. On the other hand, imaging can help rule out Achilles tendinopathy and identify differential diagnoses. As more rehabilitation clinicians are direct access practitioners and take on expanded roles as primary health practitioners, ultrasound imaging might serve as a valuable point-of-care tool for diagnosis, identifying conditions that warrant referral, and managing conditions like Achilles tendinopathy. We argue that the value of ultrasound imaging to diagnose tendinopathy outweighs the potential limitations.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Diagnostic Imaging for Achilles Tendinopathy: Unnecessary Scans? Valuable Insights? Multi-disciplinary Clinician-Scientists Present a Nuanced View
- Creators
- Ruth L Chimenti - University of IowaMederic M Hall - University of IowaJ Turner Vosseller
- Resource Type
- Editorial
- Publication Details
- The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, Vol.54(1), pp.6-9
- DOI
- 10.2519/jospt.2023.12255
- PMID
- 37970634
- eISSN
- 1938-1344
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 11/16/2023
- Date published
- 01/2024
- Academic Unit
- Radiology; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Family and Community Medicine; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984513363402771
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