Observations of the origin and insertion of the plantar aponeurosis based on anatomic and sonographic analysis

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Objective To identify the exact origin and insertion of plantar aponeurosis and the anatomic relationship of calcaneal spur to plantar aponeurosis. Methods Fourteen specimen of feet were dissected and radiographed. Three fetus feet were observed histologically. Sonographic evaluation was carried out on 20 normal adults and 52 patients with plantar fasciitis. Results (1) Anatomic observation found that plantar aponeurosis was located under the medial process of caleaneus but not attached to it, and proximally attached to the plantar aspect of calcaneal tuborosity. The insertion (origin) of plantar aponeurosis was not a point but a face. Posteriorly the plantar aponeurosis and fascia of Archlles heel were fused or transmigrated together,entirely covered and attached very coherently to the plantar and posterior aspect of calcaneal tuborosity. (2) Histological observation of heel of fetuses found plantar aponeurosis and fascia of Arehlles heel were eosinophil band-like structure. Both continued at the plantar and posterior aspect of calcaneus and attached closely to bone at this area. There were no significant demarcation between them. (3) Sonographic evaluation:normal plantar aponeurosis showed a thin band-like echo, its orgin attached to entire plantar aspect of calcaneal tuberosity and continued with fascia coming posteriorly from Archlles heel. No distinct boundary existed between these two fascias. When plantar fasciitis occurred, the orgin of plantar aponeurosis thickened significantly,this phenomenon could be detected in wholly plantar aspect of calcaneal tuberrosity. The heel spur didn't located within plantar aponeurosis. Conclusions Plantar aponeurosis orginates from entire plantar aspect of cancaneal tuberosity. Heel spur oeeures in the orgin of the intrinsic musculature, such as flexor digitorum brevis,and doesn't locate within plantar aponeurosis. Key words: Ultrasonography; Metatarsus; Fasciitis, plantar