Morphometric profile in foetuses and evolution of Achilles tendon.

BACKGROUND

The Achilles tendon (AT) develops from the merge of the tendinous part of the gastrocnemius (GM) and soleus (SM) muscles. The AT is the structural base for the biomechanical work of the ankle joint. Understanding morphometry of the AT is crucial due to the tendon vulnerability to rupture and damage which requires further surgical repair and management. Despite its clinical significance, data concerning measurements of the AT in human foetuses are scare. The aim of our study was to assess the AT, GM and SM morphometry in human foetuses.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-seven spontaneously-aborted human foetuses (17 male, 20 female) aged 18-38 weeks of gestation were examined. The morphometry of the GM, SM and AT were evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant correlation between sex or side and size of the AT in human foetuses was observed. The only significant correlation was between sex and the length of the tendon of the SM; in 3rd trimester it was longer in male than in female. In 2nd trimester the SM muscle to tendon ratio was higher in female than in male.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant correlation between sex or side and size of the AT in human foetuses, probably due to scant muscle load during prenatal period.