High volume injections for achilles tendinopathy version 01
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Treating Achilles tendon pain- A feasibility study of saline injection verses exercise
IRAS ID
206837
Contact name
John A Veto
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Enterprise Dept, University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 2 days
Research summary
A study to assess the feasibility of carrying out a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of injecting a high volume mix of saline and local anaesthetic under ultrasound guidance(trial group)around a thickened painful achilles tendon verses the current conservative approach of an eccentric loading exercise programme(control). Participants will be randomised into 2 groups with the trial group receiving the high volume ultrasound guided injection whilst the control group will carry out an eccentric loading exercise programme. The primary aim of the study will be to evaluate three key areas, of recruitment, follow up and safety. Secondary aims will evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on pain and function, tendon thickness and neovascularity (formation of new blood vessels in damaged tissue). The VISA-A questionnaire (a validated questionnaire used to evaluate pain and function associated specifically with Achilles tendons) will be administered prior to the commencement of the study and again at 3 months to evaluate pain and function. Neovascularity and tendon thickness will be measured using ultrasound again prior to commencement of the study and at 3 months. Although hypothesis testing is not being carried out, some indication of trends in outcome will be useful regarding feasibility and establishing sample size for a suitable powered future RCT.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
17/SS/0107
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion