Quality of studies on reliability of ultrasound examination in the Achilles tendon: systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The Achilles tendon is one of the most frequently injured. Ultrasound is a noninvasive, painless and inexpensive technique that can assess the condition of the tendons, but the reliability depends on the experience and skills of the examiner. The objectives of this work are to review and assess the methodological quality of the ultrasound studies on the Achilles tendon. Material and method: This is a systematic review in which we searched on MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search, CINAHL, E-Journals, IBECS, LILACS OVID, DIALNET, COCHRANE y PEDro. A tool consisting of 9 items to assess the methodological quality of the description of ultrasound examinations was created. The QAREL scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the reliability studies. Results: 227 articles were found and after passing a selection process we have chosen 13 articles to realize this review. The information provided on blinding of explorers and statistical analysis is respectively insuficient in 70% and 69% of cases. Conclusions: The sonographic method description is insuficient to ensure the reproducibility of the studies reviewed. Besides, the articles have methodological problems in relevant aspects such as the representativeness of the sample, blinding of explorers and appropriate statistical analysis of the data.