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Skeletal Radiology

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01-06-2014 | Scientific Article

Ultrasound (US) measurement of the distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle in equinus infantile deformity

Authors: P. Gutiérrez Carbonell, M. Navarro Amoros, M. Ojeda Peña, V. Pellicer Garcia, L. Moril Peñalver

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Objective

To study the distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle via ultrasound (US) – Doppler, with the goal of preventing neurovascular bundle injuries.

Methods

We studied 36 feet with equinus deformity (18 cases on the right and left side) in children with a mean age of 20.9 months. The distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial artery was intraoperatively measured using linear US at 10 MHz with Doppler. The measurement was made 1 cm proximal to the calcaneus insertion of the Achilles, where we planned to perform the tenotomy. The patient’s weight and height were also recorded. Kolmogorov–Smirnov, t test, and Pearson correlation analyses were applied. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results

Mean distance between Achilles tendon and posterior neurovascular tibial bundle was 7.3 mm, and no differences between sexes or sides were observed. The distance was significantly correlated with weight (r = 0.54, p = 0.01) but not height or age.

Conclusions

The distance between the Achilles tendon and the tibialis posterior neurovascular bundle is small, and there is a risk of surgical injury during tenotomy of the Achilles tendon.

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Title: Ultrasound (US) measurement of the distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle in equinus infantile deformity
Authors: P. Gutiérrez Carbonell
M. Navarro Amoros
M. Ojeda Peña
V. Pellicer Garcia
L. Moril Peñalver
Publication date: 01-06-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Skeletal Radiology / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-1847-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Ultrasound (US) measurement of the distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle in equinus infantile deformity

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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