Morphometric evaluation of human tendocalcaneus: A cadaveric study of south indian male population

Introduction: Tendocalcaneus or Achilles tendon is formed by the fusion of the tendons of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Normal morphometric measurements of tendo-calcaneus serves an important landmark in its anthropometric evaluation and biomechanical characteristics. Hence the objective of this study was to provide detailed morphometric profile of tendocalcaneus in south indian cadaveric male population. Materials and method: A total of 64 dissected adult limbs was studied. Out of the 64 limbs: 37 belonged to right side while 27 were of the left side. These limbs were dissected to expose the extent of tendocalcaneus. Total length, proximal width and proximal circumference of the tendon, distal width and distal circumference of the tendon was measured. Results were tabulated and correlated using SPSS. Results: Tendon length, width and circumference showed no statistically significant differences between the right and left side. However significant correlation was observed between proximal width and distal widths, proximal circumference and distal circumference, proximal width and proximal circumference and distal width and distal circumference of the tendon. Conclusion: This cadaveric morphometric study of tendo-calcaneus would be very helpful to sports medicine physicians for diagnosis and treatment of tendo Achilles overuse injuries and tendinopathy.