Ultrasound-guided, intra-tendonous injection of a dextrose solution effective in treating chronic tendonoses in the leg

Ultrasound-guided, intra-tendonous injection of a dextrose solution is a very effective treatment for certain chronic tendonoses in the leg, reported radiologists from the department of radiology at St. Paul's Hospital and the Department of Family Practice at the University of British Columbia both in Vancouver, BC.

According to the report, 43 of 53 tendons (32 of 36 Achilles tendons and 11 of 17 infrapatella tendons) were successfully treated by ultrasound guided injections of hyperosmolar dextrose. These patients suffered from pain at rest and during normal daily activity as well as during and/or after physical/sporting activity.

"I'd observed that the abnormal tendons were thickened and often demonstrated clefts or tears within their substance, and it was these findings that needed treatment, said A.D. Wong, MD, lead researcher of this study. "Hyperosmolar dextrose, among other substances has been used to sclerose tendon and ligament insertions for many years but these injections were not under sonographic guidance or into the body of the tendons."

"I have been performing this procedure for just under three years and a high percentage of the chronically disabled patients have been able to return to their normal pre-injury activities," said Dr. Wong. "The patients range from marathon runners and athletes in many other sports to ordinary citizens."

"I have since expanded the treatment successfully to include tendonopathy of the elbow and for plantar fascitis and several other sites. It may have value in treating some shoulder tendonpathies but further studies are needed," said Dr. Wong.

The full results of this study will be presented on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 during the American Roentgen Ray Society's annual meeting in Vancouver, BC.

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