OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of the Achilles tendon thickness in the anteroposterior dimension and width in the transverse dimension in our population, correlating them with gender, age ranges, race, ABO blood group and body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasonographic examination was employed to evaluate 100 Achilles tendons of 50 healthy volunteers in order to measure the tendons thickness in the anteroposterior dimension and width in the transverse dimension. All examinations were performed by the same sonographer, using an ultrasound equipment with a 10 MHz linear transducer. RESULTS: Among the 50 volunteers studied, 25 were men and 25 were women, ranging from 20 to 52 years (average 33.9 years). The tendons average width was 13.3 ± 1.0 mm in the female group and 14.4 ± 1.4 mm in the male group; the average thickness was 5.4 ± 0.5 mm in the female group and 5.6 ± 0.6 mm in the male group. These measurements were significantly lower in the female group (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the tendon measurements and the age ranges, ABO blood groups and races. The tendon width was significantly higher in the overweight body mass index group than in the normal body mass index group. CONCLUSION: Mean values found in our study differ significantly from the majority of other studies in the literature, demonstrating the importance of creating our own standards employing tables based on our population in daily clinical practice.
Achilles tendon; Ultrasound; Anatomy; Anthropometry
