Eponyms of the Kager Triangle

Abstract

The area of the Kager triangle contains numerous structures, diseases, approaches, or tests that are described with the use of eponyms1-6. Even the triangle itself is an eponym, named for Dr. Hans Kager7. The Kager triangle, also known as the pre-Achilles fat pad, is the region bordered by the superior part of the calcaneus, the flexor hallucis longus tendon, and the Achilles tendon7,8. Much has been written about eponyms9,10, and the use or misuse of eponyms has been discussed previously11-14. Recent publications have questioned whether eponyms should be used in medical practice or merely be reserved for use by those interested in the historical perspective15-17, but, to date, no consensus has been reached. Although the use of eponyms can cause confusion for scientific and clinical purposes, they remain a tribute to the pioneers of anatomy and pathology18,19. The problem with eponyms seems to be that the original description sometimes has been forgotten or replaced by more recent authors, leading to different meanings1,19-29. We performed an extensive review of the scientific literature to identify the original publication that described the exact structure and pathology of the area of the Kager triangle in order to provide a clear overview of its multiple eponymous structures and diseases (Fig. 1, Table I). Fig. 1 Anatomical structures in and around the Kager triangle ( Fig. 1-A ); eponymous pathologies around the Kager triangle ( Fig. 1-B ). View this table: TABLE I Overview of Eponymous Structures and Corresponding Noneponymous Terminology The Achilles tendon is located on the posterior border of the Kager triangle. The most well-known tendon of the human body was named after Achilles, a hero in the Trojan War …