What does this research mean for the field?

Ultrasound-detected abnormalities of the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and plantar fascia in collegiate athletes persist over multiple years rather than transiently fluctuating, and the development of new abnormalities is associated with symptom onset. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONTRADICTORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To prospectively evaluate longitudinal sonographic changes and symptom development in the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and plantar fascia of collegiate athletes across multiple seasons.

August 29, 2026PM&ROpen Access

Two‐year ultrasound follow‐up of patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in collegiate athletes: Persistence of sonographic abnormalities and symptom development

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Authors

WBWilliam Reed Cone Le BeaumontUniversity of Utah DSDerek StokesUniversity of Colorado Hospital CRCurran ReddyUniversity of Utah

Discussion

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Implication

Prospective cohort study demonstrates persistent sonographic tendon abnormalities in collegiate athletes, indicating that ultrasound-detected tendinopathy features are non-transient.

Key Points

To prospectively evaluate longitudinal sonographic changes and symptom development in the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and plantar fascia of collegiate athletes across multiple seasons.
Prospective longitudinal sonographic assessment conducted in N=22 NCAA Division I collegiate athletes (evaluating 44 patellar tendons, 44 Achilles tendons, and 44 plantar fasciae) at baseline, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups.
Blinded sonographic evaluations assessed echogenicity, tendon thickening, and neovascularization, while athletes reported active pain and injury occurrences.
Baseline abnormality prevalence reached 34.1% in patellar tendons, 18.2% in Achilles tendons, and 6.8% in plantar fasciae.
No tendons or fasciae with sonographic abnormalities at baseline returned to a normal appearance over the 2-year follow-up.
Three tendons (all Achilles tendons) converted from normal to abnormal sonographic appearance over 2 years, with each transition accompanied by symptom onset.

Cite This Study

Beaumont et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a92997e8e5d7d1fc0c1173e https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.70201

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Implication

Prospective cohort study demonstrates persistent sonographic tendon abnormalities in collegiate athletes, indicating that ultrasound-detected tendinopathy features are non-transient.

Two‐year ultrasound follow‐up of patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in collegiate athletes: Persistence of sonographic abnormalities and symptom development

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Two‐year ultrasound follow‐up of patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in collegiate athletes: Persistence of sonographic abnormalities and symptom development

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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