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© 2006 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
J Ultrasound Med 25:1291-1296 • 0278-4297

Sonographic Measurement of Achilles Tendons in Asymptomatic Subjects

Variation With Age, Body Height, and Dominance of Ankle

Beatrice S. F. Pang and Michael Ying, PhD

Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Address correspondence to Michael Ying, PhD, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. E-mail: htmying{at}polyu.edu.hk

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.

Key Words: Achilles tendon • age • body height • dominance of ankle




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S. Yildiz, O. Turksoy, M. Ying, and B. Pang
Sonographic Measurement of Achilles Tendons in Asymptomatic Subjects * Reply
J. Ultrasound Med., February 1, 2007; 26(2): 281 - 281.
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Copyright © 2006 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.