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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Complexities of Achilles Tendon Injuries — Research and Future Directions
Published on: October 27, 2023
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Morphometric profile in foetuses and evolution of Achilles tendon
A Waśniewska1, Ł Olewnik2, M Polguj3
1Department of Normal and Clinical Anatomy, Chair of Anatomy and Histology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland. ania.wasniewska@gmail.com.
Folia Morphologica
|February 12, 2021
Summary
Fetal Achilles tendon (AT) size showed no significant correlation with sex or side. However, the soleus muscle (SM) tendon was longer in males during the third trimester of gestation.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Embryology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The Achilles tendon (AT) is crucial for ankle biomechanics and prone to injury.
- Understanding fetal AT morphometry is vital for clinical management, yet data is scarce.
- The AT originates from the gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus (SM) muscles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphometry of the fetal Achilles tendon (AT), gastrocnemius (GM), and soleus (SM) muscles.
- To provide essential anatomical data on fetal tendon development.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 37 human fetuses (17 male, 20 female) aged 18-38 weeks gestation.
- Morphometric evaluation of the GM, SM, and AT.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between fetal sex or side and the size of the Achilles tendon (AT).
- A significant correlation was observed between sex and soleus muscle (SM) tendon length in the third trimester, with males exhibiting longer tendons.
- The SM muscle-to-tendon ratio was higher in females than males during the second trimester.
Conclusions:
- Fetal AT size is independent of sex and side, likely due to minimal prenatal muscle activity.
- Soleus muscle (SM) tendon length shows sex-related differences in late gestation.
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