Interobserver Reliability of Neovascularization Score Using Power Doppler Ultrasonography in Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy

作者：Pieter M. Sengkerij, Robert‐Jan de Vos, Adam Weir, Bert J. G. van Weelde, Johannes L. Tol · 发表于：The American Journal of Sports Medicine · 年份：2009 · DOI：10.1177/0363546509332255 · 被引用次数：100 · 研究领域：Tendon Structure and Treatment、Shoulder Injury and Treatment、Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Diseases

BACKGROUND: Power Doppler ultrasonography is widely used to examine neovascularization in midportion Achilles tendinopathy. The reliability of the grading of the degree of neovascularization has not been examined previously. HYPOTHESIS: Power Doppler ultrasonography can be performed with a high interobserver reliability to determine the neovascularization score in patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Thirty-three symptomatic and 17 asymptomatic Achilles tendons from 25 consecutive patients were included for ultrasound examination. Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles score was used to assess the severity of the Achilles tendinopathy. Each tendon was scored twice by different radiologists using the modified Ohberg score for neovascularization. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver reliability was 0.85. Neovascularization was observed in 70% (23/33) of the symptomatic tendons and in 29% (5/17) of the asymptomatic tendons. The Spearman correlation coefficient between the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles score and the degree of neovascularization was - 0.16 (P = .10). CONCLUSION: An excellent interobserver reliability was found for determining the degree of neovascularization on power Doppler ultrasonography examination. Neovessels were present in a majority of symptomatic tendons. The severity of symptoms was not correlated with the neov...