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Achilles Tendinopathy and Cartilage Repair focus of two new ‘Orthopaedics Publications'

Following the success of the first “Current Concepts in Orthopaedics” book on “Achilles Tendon Rupture” launched at ESSKA 2008, the Achilles Tendon Study Group (ATSG) proudly launches its second book on “Achilles Tendinopathy”. This book, along with “Current Concepts in Cartilage Repair” will be introduced at ESSKA 2010 in Oslo this June and are both published by DJO Publications, an official publishing house and a division of DJO Incorporated.

Current Concepts in Achilles Tendinopathy

The incidence of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy is rising in-part due to the increase in sporting activities. It is said to effect up to 9% of recreational runners and 3-5% of professional athletes with Achilles tendinopathy have to give up their sporting career. The cause of the tendinopathy is multifactorial and the underlying pathophysiology complex which means the treatment is controversial and has a far from certain outcome – “treatment is more of an art than a science”.

Many different treatment modalities have been put forward over the years with varying reported rates of success. Many of these treatments may be based upon sound scientific theory but most have little clinical evidence to support their use. The ATSG has recruited world leaders who have an interest in the Achilles tendon and reviewed the available literature in an attempt to provide a balanced consensus on what is known about Achilles tendinopathy, the available treatments (and the basis on which they are founded), the outcome measures available to standardise future clinical studies and future treatments that are being developed.

It is acknowledged that some chapters are controversial as they report on treatments that may be widely used, but which have little clinical support in terms of controlled or independent studies. The editors have specifically included such chapters to promote debate and highlight areas where future clinical research is required or is in progress. The authors also wish to promote new studies on Achilles tendon pathology, especially controversial topics.

Current Concepts in Cartilage Repair

The second new ‘Current Concepts’ book was inspired by the ATSG, and followed a symposium on cartilage related problems at ESSKA 2008 in Porto.  Professor Brittberg together with the ESSKA Cartilage Committee decided to work with DJO Publications and produce a current concepts book on “Cartilage Repair”. This book is the first production in a current concepts series on cartilage related problems. It is the result of four years’ activities for the period 2006-2010 by the ESSKA Cartilage Committee.

It is well-known that cartilage, when injured, is difficult to repair. However, the last 20 years have been stimulating as the era of tissue engineering has opened up a stronger collaboration between basic science and clinical research in order to improve the repair of injured cartilage.
The new publication brings together the best available evidence and world leaders’ opinion on the treatment of cartilage defects which is discussed by an international panel of expert orthopaedic surgeons.  

The editors of both books acknowledge and greatly appreciate the support received from the publishing house, DJO Publications, for organising the meetings and compiling and publishing the books.

Copies of both new books will be available from DJO’s booth (27) at ESSKA 2010.
 

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