External Iliac Artery narrowing can lead to Endofibrosis
Third endofibrosis surgery for Manzin
Lorrenzo Manzin will undergo surgery for endofibrosis of the iliac artery. This is the second time in three years that Manzin has ended the season without raising his arms in victory.
Endofibrosis is a narrowing of the iliac artery, which supplies blood to the legs. It can be caused by a number of factors, including inflammation, injury, and repetitive strain. In cyclists, endofibrosis can cause pain, fatigue, and numbness in the legs. It can also make it difficult to perform at high levels.
Manzin’s surgery is scheduled for November 2023. He is expected to make a full recovery, but his rehabilitation will prevent him from starting the 2024 season on time.
External iliac arteries
External iliac artery narrowing (EIA stenosis) is a condition in which the external iliac artery, which is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the legs and buttocks, becomes narrowed. This narrowing can be caused by a number of factors, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), trauma, and birth defects.
Endofibrosis can affect both males and females, but it is much more common in males. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 5 male cyclists will experience endofibrosis at some point in their cycling career.
Endofibrosis
Endofibrosis is a condition in which the inner lining of the artery (intima) thickens and narrows the artery. This can happen in any artery in the body, but it is most common in the external iliac arteries.
The exact mechanism by which EIA stenosis leads to endofibrosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the following factors:
- Shear stress: EIA stenosis causes an increase in shear stress on the inner lining of the artery. Shear stress is the force that is exerted on the artery walls by the blood flowing through the artery. Increased shear stress can damage the inner lining of the artery, leading to inflammation and thickening.
- Turbulence: EIA stenosis can also cause turbulence in the blood flow. Turbulence can damage the inner lining of the artery and promote the formation of blood clots. Blood clots can also damage the artery wall and lead to inflammation and thickening.
- Hypoxia: EIA stenosis can reduce the amount of blood that flows to the leg. This can lead to hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the tissues. Hypoxia can damage the artery wall and promote the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue can thicken the artery wall and narrow the artery.
EIA stenosis affecting cyclists:
EIA stenosis is a particular problem for cyclists because cycling is a high-intensity activity that requires a lot of blood flow to the legs. When a cyclist pedals, the external iliac arteries are compressed, which can further reduce blood flow to the leg. This can lead to pain and cramping in the leg, especially during high-intensity exercise.
In extreme cases, EIA stenosis can progress to complete occlusion of the artery. This can lead to serious complications, such as gangrene and limb loss.
Diagnosis and treatment of EIA stenosis and endofibrosis
EIA stenosis and endofibrosis are typically diagnosed using imaging tests, such as external iliac artery ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomography angiography (CTA).
Treatment for EIA stenosis and endofibrosis depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and losing weight. In more severe cases, treatment may involve surgery to widen the artery or bypass the blocked section of the artery.
If you are a cyclist and you are experiencing repeting pain or cramping in your leg, especially during high-intensity exercise, it is important to see a doctor to rule out EIA stenosis.
Endofibrosis prevention for cyclists
A noseless saddle can help prevent endofibrosis by reducing pressure on the perineum and surrounding tissues (repeated trauma, inflammation, and infection).
The perineum is the area of tissue between the anus and scrotum. It is home to a number of nerves and blood vessels, as well as the urethra. Pressure on the perineum can restrict blood flow and damage nerves, both of which can contribute to endofibrosis.
A noseless saddle removes the pressure from the perineum by distributing the rider’s weight more evenly across the sit bones. This can help to prevent the development of endofibrosis and other conditions, such as erectile dysfunction and numbness in the genital area.
In addition to reducing pressure on the perineum, noseless saddles can also help to improve blood flow to the penis. This is because they allow the rider to sit in a more upright position, which opens up the blood vessels in the pelvic region. Increased blood flow can help to promote healing and prevent the formation of scar tissue.
>> Discover a well designed noseless saddle model
