Injury of the musculotendinous junction

Abstract

People of all ages and levels of physical ability are innately dependent on the ability to move. Motion occurs in the frontal, sagittal and transverse planes. Muscles are orchestrated to either evoke movement or maintain dynamic stability via concentric, eccentric and/or isometric contractions.Yet, skeletal muscle itself is incapable of controlling movement unless it is connected to bone. Bones, and their associated joints, act as lever systems with muscle forces acting as the counterbalance to an applied load. However, a strong muscle alone is incapable of either supporting or overcoming a load. Muscle is dependent upon its connection to bone via tendons, and the boundary of this connection is highly dependent upon the integrity of the musculotendinous junction. This chapter describes the basic structure and function of skeletal muscle, and in particular the musculotendinous junction (MTJ). We will discuss MTJ injury and review current theories of inflammation and repair following MTJ stretch injury. Finally, we will review current training techniques implemented to reduce injury potential to the MTJ.