Investigating Inflammation and Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy (ImPAcT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating Inflammation and Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy
IRAS ID
154876
Contact name
Andrew Carr
Contact email
Research summary
Achilles tendon pathology including tendinopathy and tears are an increasing problem in orthopaedic practice, causing pain and loss of limb function. The risk of re-injury is high and currently effective therapies are lacking. Consequently there is a clear need to better understand the mechanisms of how Achilles injuries develop, with a particular focus on inflammation and pain.
The ImPAcT study (Inflammation and Pain in Achilles Tendinopathy) is a cohort observational study. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the early stage pathological changes in tendinopathic Achilles compared to normal and ruptured Achilles tendons. We will correlate patient symptoms and outcomes with those pathological changes in tendinopathic and ruptured tendons compare to normal tissues. Specifically we will:
1. Characterise inflammatory cells in tendinopathic Achilles compared to normal and ruptured Achilles tendons
2. Investigate factors which may reduce tendon inflammation after injury in tendinopathic Achilles compared to normal and ruptured Achilles tendons
3. Determine which factors influence pain perception in tendinopathic Achilles compared to normal and ruptured Achilles tendons
To our knowledge no published study has investigated the early stage pathological changes that occur in tendinopathic Achilles tendons using the tissue of living patients and it is anticipated that the outcome of this work will assist in the identification of potential therapeutic targets to aid the development of new treatments for Achilles tendon injuries in the future.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
14/NI/1063
Date of REC Opinion
9 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion