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Sonographic Measurement of Achilles Tendons in Asymptomatic Subjects
Author(s) -
Pang Beatrice S. F.,
Ying Michael
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.2006.25.10.1291
Subject(s) - medicine , achilles tendon , asymptomatic , ankle , heel , cross sectional study , achilles tendon rupture , significant difference , tendon , ultrasonography , orthodontics , surgery , anatomy , pathology
Objective. This study was undertaken to evaluate the thickness, cross‐sectional area, and length of Achilles tendons in asymptomatic subjects of different age groups and heights and between dominant and nondominant ankles. Methods. High‐resolution sonographic examinations of Achilles tendons were performed in 40 healthy subjects (14 men and 26 women). The subjects were categorized into 4 age groups: (1) 20 to 29 years, (2) 30 to 39 years, (3) 40 to 49 years, and (4) 50 years or older. The thickness, cross‐sectional area, and length of the Achilles tendons of both ankles were measured. All Achilles tendons were measured with the ankle in a relaxed, neutral position. Results. There was no significant difference in the thickness and length of Achilles tendons among subjects of different age groups ( P > .05). The Achilles tendon cross‐sectional area of subjects 50 years or older was significantly larger than that of subjects in the younger age groups ( P < .05). There was a positive correlation between the height of the subjects and the length, thickness, and cross‐sectional area of the Achilles tendons; however, the correlation coefficient was low ( r = 0.07–0.28; P > .05). Dominance of ankles did not affect the thickness and length of the Achilles tendons, whereas the cross‐sectional area of the tendons was significantly larger in the dominant ankles ( P < .05). Conclusions. Sonography is a useful imaging tool in the evaluation of Achilles tendons. Normal variations of the tendon morphologic characteristics should be considered in the clinical diagnosis.