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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® 9/2008

01-09-2008 | Original Article

The Achilles Tendon Insertion is Crescent-shaped: An In Vitro Anatomic Investigation

Authors: Heinz Lohrer, MD, Sabine Arentz, MD, Tanja Nauck, MA, Nadja V. Dorn-Lange, MD, Moritz A. Konerding, MD

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 9/2008

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Abstract

Anatomic and operative textbooks and current literature do not clearly describe the Achilles tendon interface to the calcaneal tuberosity. We dissected 51 specimens to identify the detailed anatomy of the Achilles tendon insertion. Achilles tendon fascicles expanded from the anterior aspect of the distal Achilles tendon over the retrocalcaneal bursa to the anterior part of the Haglund’s tuberosity in nearly half of the specimens. The insertion of the transverse section of the Achilles tendon regularly had a crescent-shape corresponding to the posterior calcaneal prominence. In transverse sections, all specimens had a curved appearance with a radius of curvature ranging from 13.8 mm to 43.6 mm (mean, 20.4 mm) and Achilles tendon extensions to the lateral and medial calcaneal surfaces reached 1.0 mm (mean) and 3.5 mm (mean) anterior in relation to the most posterior point of the calcaneal tuberosity. Knowledge of the arcuate configuration and of the medial and lateral extensions of the plantaris and the Achilles tendon insertion with respect to the transverse plane is important to avoid iatrogenic complications during resection of Haglund’s tuberosity.
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Metadata
Title
The Achilles Tendon Insertion is Crescent-shaped: An In Vitro Anatomic Investigation
Authors
Heinz Lohrer, MD
Sabine Arentz, MD
Tanja Nauck, MA
Nadja V. Dorn-Lange, MD
Moritz A. Konerding, MD
Publication date
01-09-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0298-0

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