Heterotopic mineral deposits in intact rat Achilles tendons are characterized by a unique fiber-like structure.

ABSTRACT: Heterotopic mineralization entails pathological mineral formation inside soft tissues. In human tendons mineralization is often associated with tendinopathies, tendon weakness and pain. In Achilles tendons, mineralization is considered to occur through heterotopic ossification (HO) primarily in response to tendon pathologies. However, refined details regarding HO deposition and microstructure are unknown. In this study, we characterize HO in intact rat Achilles tendons through high-resolution phase contrast enhanced synchrotron X-ray tomography. Furthermore, we test the potential of studying local tissue injury by needling intact Achilles tendons and the relation between tissue microdamage and HO. The results show that HO occurs in all intact Achilles tendons at 16 weeks of age. HO deposit

SUBMITTER: Pierantoni M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10018562 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature