High-resolution MR imaging of the asymptomatic Achilles tendon: new observations

Our aim was to describe the normal appearance of the Achilles tendon and peritendinous tissues in asymptomatic active volunteers using high-resolution MR imaging.

One hundred clinically asymptomatic Achilles tendons were imaged at 1.5 T with axial high-resolution T1-weighted gradient-echo (fast low-angle shot [FLASH]) and short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) sequences. The tendons, peritendinous tissues, tendon insertions, and musculotendinous junctions were separately evaluated by two observers.

The average anteroposterior diameter (+/-SD) of the asymptomatic Achilles tendons was 5.2+/-0.73 mm. The anterior margin was flat or concave in all, except for 10 tendons that showed mild convexity. A wave-like bulge, which shifted from lateral to medial in the craniocaudal direction, was detected in the anterior margin of 56 tendons. The signal intensity was heterogeneous in 45 tendons. In these tendons, distal stripes or punctate foci were seen. A small (3 mm) intermediate intensity intratendinous region thought to represent tendon degeneration was detected in four cases on FLASH images. The retrocalcaneal bursae contained a prominent fluid collection in 15 cases. The paratenon was visualized in all cases on both FLASH and STIR images.

High-resolution MR imaging depicts the Achilles tendon and peritendinous soft tissues in great detail. The normal anatomy of the asymptomatic Achilles tendon is variable. We postulate that the variability may be a potential source of diagnostic misinterpretation.