Abstract
Pathology associated with the Achilles tendon is a common problem, particularly at
the site of insertion. A better understanding of the anatomy in this area would assist
in developing and fine-tuning treatment options. A cadaveric examination was conducted
using 60 human lower extremities (40 cadavers) to determine the location for the terminal
insertion site of the Achilles tendon on the posterior aspect of the calcaneus. The
average age of the specimens was 67.8 years (range, 43-98 years). Three different
investigators examined each specimen, and a consensus as to the site of termination
of the Achilles tendon was made. Upon inspection, 55% (22/40) of the limbs had the
Achilles tendon inserting on the superior 1/3 aspect of the calcaneus, 40% (16/40)
of the limbs inserted on the middle 1/3, and 5% (2/40) of the limbs inserted on the
inferior 1/3. The distribution of the insertion was statistically different from random
(P = .000371). Further, 8% (3/40) of the specimens revealed a partially contiguous
relationship between the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. This correlated with
the younger specimens (P < .0001). This study provides a better understanding of the
anatomical relationship between the Achilles tendon, the calcaneus, and the plantar
fascia.
Level of Clinical Evidence
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 25, 2010
Footnotes
Financial Disclosure: None reported.
Conflict of Interest: None reported.
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
