Effects of physical characteristics, exercise and smoking on morphometry of human Achilles tendon: an ultrasound study

Abstract

Objectives : The aim of this study was to reveal the normal morphometric values of Achilles tendon using ultrasound (US) imaging in subjects of different gender, age groups, smoking status, and physical exercise habits. Methods: A total of 342 Achilles tendons were examined in the 171 volunteers (69 females, 102 males) with different age, gender, weight, height, smoking and physical exercise habits. Achilles tendon width, length, thickness, cross-sectional area and length were measured using a commercial ultrasound machine with a 9-15 mHz linear-array transducer. Results: The average width, thickness, cross-sectional area and length of the Achilles tendon in male subjects were significantly higher than females. Tendon width, thickness, cross-sectional area and length showed no significant difference between the right and left side. With the exception of the left Achilles tendon thickness, measurements taken for non-smoking subjects were larger than smokers. Achilles tendon measurements of subjects engaged in sportive activities were significantly larger than those with sedentary lifestyle Weight and body mass index were the only anthropometric measurements in correlation with Achilles tendon size. Conclusion: Achilles tendon size varies with age, gender, physical activity and smoking habits. The measurements presented in this study give normal variations of the tendon’s morphologic characteristics, which will be of use in clinical diagnosis. Keywords: Achilles tendon; anthropometry; exercise; smoking; ultrasound