The relationship between physical examination and ultrasonography for large entheses is best for the Achilles tendon and patellar tendon origin
Abstract
Objective To investigate the relationship between physical examination (PE) and sonographic features of enthesitis, based on anatomical sites.
Methods The analysis was done using merged raw data of 3 studies on 2298 entheses.
Results Patients with clinical Achilles enthesitis had more abnormalities on ultrasound (hypoechogenicity (p<0.001), thickening (p=0.01), Doppler (p=0.002) and erosions (p=0.02). The patellar tendon origin also correlated with PE but distal patellar tendon insertion and plantar aponeurosis were uncoupled from the ultrasound.
Conclusion The relationship between clinical and sonographic findings for large entheses is dependent on the anatomical site and is best for the Achilles tendon and patellar tendon origin.