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Updated: May 19, 2026
Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology
Published on: October 27, 2023
Incidence of morphologic changes in asymptomatic Achilles tendons in an active young adult population
Michael F Joseph1, Thomas H Trojian, Jeffrey M Anderson
1Kinesiology Dept, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
Context:
Achilles tendon rupture is often the result of a long-term degenerative process, frequently occurring asymptomatically.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic Achilles tendinopathy in an active, asymptomatic, young-adult population and to compare these findings across gender.
Design:
Convenience sample, cohort study.
Setting:
Research laboratory
Participants:
A sample of 52 (28 male, 24 female) healthy, active subjects were recruited from the student body at the University of Connecticut. Images of 104 Achilles tendons were made.
Intervention:
Ultrasound images made with a Phillips HD11 with a 15-MHz real-time linear-array transducer were collected on both the longitudinal and transverse axes of the Achilles tendon. Activity level was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF).
Main Outcome Measure:
Presence of ultrasound evidence of Achilles tendinopathy as agreed on by 2 blinded assessors highly skilled in ultrasonography.
Results:
More subjects were categorized as highly active (57.4%) on the IPAQ-SF than moderately active (42.6%). One female and one male subject were found to have ultrasound evidence of asymptomatic Achilles tendinopathy, equaling 3.8% prevalence in this study.
Conclusion:
We found a low prevalence of asymptomatic Achilles tendinopathy in an active, young-adult population. Further work is necessary to identify an optimal group warranting ultrasound screening for asymptomatic tendinopathy.
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