Review Question - QID 217330

The muscle-tendon junction is most often affected by muscle strains, which is depicted by option C in Figure A.

Muscle and tendon injuries can occur with eccentric muscle contraction in the setting of preceding inflammation and tendinosis. Muscle strains typically occur at the musculotendinous junction and heal with an inflammatory response followed by fibrosis. Treatment for calf strains consists of rest and activity modification with a short period of anti-inflammatory medications.

Dueweke, et al. reviewed skeletal muscle regeneration after eccentric injuries. They reported muscle regeneration occurs through the interaction of multiple cell types including satellites cells, muscle fibers, fibroblasts, and immune cells. They concluded that muscle therapeutic modalities either lack evidence to support their use or may be detrimental to the long-term biology of the healing process (NSAIDS).

Hwang and Brack reviewed muscle stem cells and muscle aging. They discussed the age-related changes to satellite cells and the associated diminished capacity to regenerate skeletal muscle. The authors further discussed potential treatments to deter the effects of aging on satellite cells.

Figure A is a schematic of the bone-tendon unit.

Incorrect answers
Answer 1: The muscle fibers are not usually affected by a muscle strain.
Answer 2: The tendon is typically not ruptured with a muscle strain.
Answer 4: The bone-tendon junction is not affected by a muscle strain. This is usually seen with sprains or avulsion fractures.
Answer 5: The bone is not typically affected by a muscle strain.