Achilles tendon length in children evaluated sonographically.
The purpose of this study was to improve our knowledge of the behavior of the Achilles tendon as a basis for decision-making in Achilles lengthening or tenotomy, we sonographically measured the normal and club feet of 101 babies, mean age 4 months, in standard parameters: tibio-talo-calcaneal angle, length of Achilles tendon, distance from tibia to calcaneus, and distance from a line parallel to the posterior cortex of the tibia to the calcaneus. All measurements were age-matched from birth to 1 year in maximal plantar and dorsal flexion. In conclusion, we describe the normal values for the four parameters in plantar and dorsal flexion. These can serve as a basis for decision-making in clubfoot management.
Bialik
Viktor
V
Pediatric Orthopedics Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. v_bialik@rambam.health.gov.il
Farhoud
Farid
F
Eidelman
Mark
M
Katzman
Alexander
A
Bialik
Gad M
GM
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000367:Age Factors; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003025:Clubfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012016:Reference Values; D013628:Talus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography