Variability of insertion of the achilles tendon on the calcaneus: an MRI study of younger subjects.
Kim PJ, Martin E, Ballehr L, Richey JM, Steinberg JS. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2011 Jan-Feb;50(1):41-3.
Nice study, and interesting that it concludes that there is continuity observed between the fibers of the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia (in young people)
Anatomy of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia in relation to the calcaneus in various age groups.
Snow SW, Bohne WH, DiCarlo E, Chang VK.
Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Abstract
Ten adult cadaver feet, three neonatal feet, and the feet of two fetuses were dissected to investigate whether an anatomical continuity exists between the fibers of the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. Histologic sections of the feet were done in three age groups: neonate, persons in their mid-20s, and the elderly. As the foot ages, there appears to be continued diminution of the number of fibers connecting the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The neonate has a thick continuation of fibers, while the middle-aged foot has only superficial periosteal fibers that continue from tendon to fascia. The elderly feet show simply an insertion of fibers of both structures into the calcaneus with periosteum in between.
PMID: 7550955 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
MeSH Terms, SubstancesMeSH Terms:Achilles Tendon/anatomy & histology*Achilles Tendon/embryologyAdipose Tissue/anatomy & histologyAdultAgedAging/pathology*Calcaneus/anatomy & histology*Calcaneus/embryologyCollagenFascia/anatomy & histology*Fascia/embryologyFoot/anatomy & histology*Foot/embryologyHumansInfant, NewbornMiddle AgedPeriosteum/anatomy & histologySubstances:Collagen
LinkOut - more resources
PS Dr. Bohne is a very smart and experienced orthopedic surgeon
Sincerely Steve Levitz
There is a great video around which shows the fascia to achilles connection through discection. They also show how there a single soft tissue connection from the plantar fascia up the posterior leg to the back which ends on the eye brows I think.
Ill see if I can find it when I get back to Sweden. or maybe someone else can post it up.
Nice study.
I'm surprised at the 55% superior number.
I would have guessed much less. My surgical experience tells me most insert in the middle.
It would be interesting to further break this down as to foot type and overall shape variations of the posterior surface.
Relationship Between Running Economy and Achilles
Tendon Length.
Jacquelyn Crow, Eric Sobolewski, Randolph Hutchison, Scott
Murr. Furman University, Greenville, SC. Presented at ACSM Mtg, 2018
The twist of the Achilles tendon ‐ associations of torsions in the lower extremity
Julian Prosenz
Claus Rath
Merisa Hadrovic‐Avdic
Lena Hirtler Jnl Anatomy: 11 August 2018
Achilles tendon complex: The anatomy of its insertional footprint on the calcaneus and clinical implications
JaredMahanaDhanurDamodarbEvanTrapanabSpencerBarnhillbAne UgarteNunocNiall A.SmythbAmiethabAiyerbJ.Josea Journal of Orthopaedics 10 June 2019
Achilles tendon complex: The anatomy of its insertional footprint on the calcaneus and clinical implications.
Mahan J et al J Orthop. 2019 Jun 10 ;17:221-227
Intratendinous pressure of the Achilles tendon during exercise is related to the degree of tendon torsion
Lauren Pringels, Michael Stouthandel, Tom Van Hoof, Manuel Martens, Amelie Chevalier, Arne Burssens, Evi Wezenbeek, Luc Vanden Bossche 22 August 2023 https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14467