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Ryu SC, Lee DO, Park Y, Shin Y, Lee DY, Kyung MG. Clinical Efficacy of Application-Linked Stretching Ball as Digital Therapeutics in Plantar Fasciitis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2722. [PMID: 38731253 PMCID: PMC11084766 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of application-linked stretching ball instruments that record the rolling time and force of patients compared with a traditional simple stretching ball. Methods: Fourteen participants with plantar fasciitis were divided into a simple massage ball group (group A, n = 8) and an application-linked massage ball group (group B, n = 6). The application-linked massage ball sends information regarding the massages, such as the frequency and force of the massage on the foot, to the application on the patient's smartphone. All clinical outcomes were evaluated at the beginning of the study and 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) score. Results: At the beginning of the study, the initial MOXFQ score was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.948). At each time point, the MOXFQ score of the whole population did not improve significantly compared to that of the initial state (p = 0.131). Generalized estimating equation modeling demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the improvement of the MOXFQ score between groups A and B during follow-up (p = 0.826). In addition, no group-by-time interactions were observed (p = 0.457). Conclusions: The efficacy of an application-linked massage ball for the treatment of plantar fasciitis was not as definite as that of a traditional simple stretching ball in patients whose symptoms persisted for at least six months. Future studies that include patients with acute plantar fasciitis are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Chang Ryu
- BioRobotics Laboratory, Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dong-Oh Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SNU Seoul Hospital, Seoul 08703, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojin Park
- Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea; (Y.P.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yujeong Shin
- Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea; (Y.P.); (Y.S.)
| | - Dong Yeon Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea;
| | - Min Gyu Kyung
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea
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Thong-On S, Harutaichun P. Effects of customized insoles with medial wedges on lower extremity kinematics and ultrasonographic findings in plantar fasciitis persons. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8642. [PMID: 37244973 PMCID: PMC10221742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35862-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The customized insole is widely recommended as an effective intervention for pain reduction and foot function improvement in plantar fasciitis persons. However, it is unclear whether the additional correction of medial wedges could change the kinematics from the only insole. The objectives of this study were thus to compare customized insoles with and without medial wedges on lower extremity kinematics during gait and to determine the short-term effects of the customized insole with medial wedges on pain intensity, foot function, and ultrasonographic findings in plantar fasciitis persons. A within-subject, randomized, crossover design within motion analysis research laboratory was conducted among 35 persons with plantar fasciitis. Main outcome measures included joint motions of the lower extremity and multi-segment foot, pain intensity, foot function, and ultrasonographic findings. The customized insole with medial wedges produced less knee motion in the transverse plane and hallux motion in all planes during the propulsive phase than that without medial wedges (all p < 0.05). After the 3-month follow-up, the insoles with medial wedges decreased pain intensity and increased foot function. Abnormal ultrasonographic findings also decreased significantly after the 3-month treatment of insoles with medial wedges. Customized insoles with medial wedges seem superior to those without medial wedges on both multi-segment foot motion and knee motion during propulsion. Positive outcomes from this study supported the use of customized insoles with medial wedges as an effective conservative treatment in patients with plantar fasciitis.Trial registration: TCTR20210928006 (28/09/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthasinee Thong-On
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Pavinee Harutaichun
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
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Nafees F, Fatima Z, Malik SS, Yousaf Q, Latif M, Farooq SMY. Ultrasound measurement of plantar fascia thickness: Is the current criterion for normality applicable to everyone? SONOGRAPHY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/sono.12342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Nafees
- Radiology Research Section The University of Lahore Lahore Pakistan
| | - Zareen Fatima
- University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences The University of Lahore Lahore Pakistan
| | - Sajid Shaheen Malik
- University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences The University of Lahore Lahore Pakistan
| | - Qasim Yousaf
- Department of Radiology Government Kot Khawaja Saeed Teaching Hospital Lahore Pakistan
| | - Mahrukh Latif
- University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences The University of Lahore Lahore Pakistan
| | - Syed Muhammad Yousaf Farooq
- University Institute of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences The University of Lahore Lahore Pakistan
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Khired Z, Najmi MH, Akkur AA, Mashhour MA, Bakri KA. The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis Amongst the Population of Jazan. Cureus 2022; 14:e29434. [PMID: 36312600 PMCID: PMC9595252 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plantar fasciitis develops as a consequence of irritation of the plantar fascia, which is responsible for supporting the arches and absorbing shock. Multiple factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis, but the most common factor is overuse stress. The classical presentation is a sharp pain that is felt at the plantar aponeurosis (near the area of its insertion on the medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity), and it is possible to find a heel spur (osteophyte) in some cases. Most treatments for plantar fasciitis are ineffective and unsatisfactory for patients. Objective To estimate the prevalence and assess risk factors for plantar fasciitis among the population of the Jazan region. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on the population of the Jazan region. An online Google form questionnaire was prepared and distributed to the study population. Data was then entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Statistics, version 21.0. Results A total of 695 participants were enrolled in the study. Out of that, 350 (50.4%) of the participants were males, while 345 (49.6%) were females. About the age of the participants, 507 (72.9%) were younger than 40 years of age. Participants with hypertension were 43 (6.2%), and 37 (5.3%) participants had diabetes. In terms of occupation, 120 (17.3%) worked in healthcare, 187 (26.9%) taught, and 43 (6.2%) served in the military. A great quantity of standing or walking was necessary for the jobs for 127 people (18.3%), while moderate amounts were recorded for 273 people (39.3%). The most commonly reported lower limb conditions were: pes planus (low arches) in 26 (3.7%) participants; and weakness of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and intrinsic foot muscles. The most commonly reported exercises were walking for 499 (71.8%) participants and jogging for 97 (14%) participants. The prevalence of plantar fasciitis was found to be 37% of the participants. Regarding the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) survey, the mean symptoms subscale score was 57.81 + 11.28, the mean pain subscale score was 72.87±20.84, the mean daily living subscale score was 72.73 ± 22.25, the mean sports and recreation subscale score was 76.83 ± 23.06, and the mean quality of life subscale score was 70.23 ± 25.17. Multivariate logistic regression was done and the following factors predicted a higher rate of plantar fasciitis: being 40 to 55 years old (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 2.15), being 56 to 65 years old (p = 0.037, odds ratio = 3.58), being obese (p = 0.031, odds ratio = 2.16), having weakness of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and the intrinsic foot muscles (p = 0.003, odds ratio = 7.39), jobs requiring a great amount of time standing or walking (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 3.17), and jobs requiring a moderate amount of time standing or walking (p = 0.012, odds ratio = 1.83). Being male predicted a lower rate of plantar fasciitis (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 0.52). Conclusion Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent and disabling condition with considerable effects on quality of life. Jobs that require long hours of walking or standing were associated with an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Middle age, prolonged exercise, and gastrocnemius muscle tightness were also associated with plantar fasciitis. Efforts should be directed towards health education of the population regarding the risk factors and management of plantar fasciitis.
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Harvey HD, Game C, Walsh TP, Wearing SC, Platt SR. Are models of plantar heel pain suitable for competitive runners? A narrative review. J Orthop 2022; 33:9-14. [PMID: 35789776 PMCID: PMC9249968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plantar heel pain (PHP), or plantar fasciopathy, is a common condition in active and sedentary populations, contributing to short- and long-term reductions in quality of life. The condition's aetiology and pathophysiology are the subjects of a significant body of research. However, much of this research has been conducted with sedentary participants, and comparatively little research exists in a population of highly-trained athletes focused on performance outcomes. Models for PHP and proposed mechanisms, such as high body mass index or systemic disease, are mostly absent from an athletic population. Even less is known about the origins of pain in PHP. Pain is believed to be a complex multifactorial process and may be experienced differently by sedentary and highly active populations, particularly endurance athletes. Consequently, conservative through to surgical treatment for athletes is informed by literature for a different population, potentially hindering treatment outcomes. Aims The aim of this review, therefore, is to summarise what is known about PHP in athletic populations and propose potential directions for future research. Methods Embase, PubMed, and Scopus using MeSH search terms for PHP and competitive sport and common synonyms. Discussion Two explanatory models for PHP were found. These primarily propose mechanical factors for PHP. It remains unclear how gait, body composition, and psychological factors may differ in an athletic population with and without PHP. Therefore, research in these three areas is needed to inform clinical and training interventions for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish D. Harvey
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
| | - Claire Game
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
| | - Tom P. Walsh
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia
| | - Scott C. Wearing
- Faculty for Sport and Health Science, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon R. Platt
- Department of Orthopaedics, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia
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Acosta-Olivo C, Simental-Mendía LE, Vilchez-Cavazos F, Peña-Martínez VM, Elizondo-Rodíguez J, Simental-Mendía M. Clinical Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:364-371.e2. [PMID: 34688605 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on pain and functional outcomes since current literature has supported a potential benefit of BTX-A. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched until December 2020 for RCTs reporting the effects of BTX-A injections on plantar fasciitis. The complementary literature search included Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, and greylit.org. STUDY SELECTION Only RCTs assessing the effect of BTX-A injections on pain, functional improvement, or plantar fascia thickness in patients with plantar fasciitis were included. Multiple researchers carried out the screening process of the 413 records. DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted independently and in duplicate using a standardized data extraction format. Information was contrasted by a third observer. DATA SYNTHESIS BTX-A injections resulted in significant pain relief (mean difference, -2.07 [95% CI, -3.21 to -0.93]; P=.0004; I2=97%) and functional improvement (standardized mean difference, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.39-1.91]; P=.003; I2=87%). A subanalysis indicated that pain relief was sustained at 12 months while functional improvement remained significant after 0-6 months. The results were not affected by a single study after sensitivity analysis. The site of injection and the use or not of ultrasound-guided injections may account for potential sources of interstudy heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggests both a statistically significant and a clinically meaningful improvement on plantar fasciitis symptoms after BTX-A treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Acosta-Olivo
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr José Eleuterio González," School of Medicine, Monterrey, México
| | - Luis E Simental-Mendía
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Unidad de Investigación Biomédica, Delegación Durango, Durango, México
| | - Félix Vilchez-Cavazos
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr José Eleuterio González," School of Medicine, Monterrey, México
| | - Víctor M Peña-Martínez
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr José Eleuterio González," School of Medicine, Monterrey, México
| | - Jorge Elizondo-Rodíguez
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr José Eleuterio González," School of Medicine, Monterrey, México
| | - Mario Simental-Mendía
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Hospital Universitario "Dr José Eleuterio González," School of Medicine, Monterrey, México.
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Shear Wave Elastography of the Plantar Fascia: Comparison between Patients with Plantar Fasciitis and Healthy Control Subjects. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112351. [PMID: 34072045 PMCID: PMC8199455 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate plantar fasciae of healthy subjects and patients with plantar fasciitis by shear wave velocity (SWV) and stiffness with correlation to B-Mode and color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and to establish cut-off values. Methods: This observational study was conducted with the approval of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) of our institution. 108 unilateral plantar fasciae were evaluated by including 87 consecutive patients (mean age 51.7; range: 29–82) (66 women and 21 men) with plantar fasciitis and 21 asymptomatic age matched healthy volunteers (mean age 47.3; range: 32–58) (15 women and 6 men). All patients were prospectively imaged between July 2018 and March 2019. B-mode US was used to measure thickness and CDUS to grade vascularity. SWE measurements were repeated 3 times and mean was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean SWV value in healthy subjects was 6.94 m/s and in patients 4.98 m/s with a mean stiffness value of 152.88 kPa and 93.54 kPa respectively (p < 0.001). For SWV a cut-off value of 6.16 m/s had a specificity of 80.95% and sensitivity of 79.31%. For stiffness a cut-off value of 125.57 kPa had a specificity of 80.95% and sensitivity of 80.46%. No correlation to CDUS was found. The mean thickness of healthy fascias was 3.3 mm (range 2.4–3.9) compared to 6.1 mm (range 2.0–22.0) in plantar fasciitis (p < 0.001) with no correlation to SWV or to stiffness (r² = 0.02, p = 0.06). Conclusion: SWE allows quantitative assessment of plantar fascia stiffness, which decreases in patients with plantar fasciitis. No correlation to the thickness of the plantar fascia was found, therefore it represents an independent factor for the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and could be helpful in addition to thickness measurement in unclear cases.
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Morikawa M, Maeda N, Komiya M, Hirota A, Mizuta R, Kobayashi T, Kaneda K, Nishikawa Y, Urabe Y. Contribution of Plantar Fascia and Intrinsic Foot Muscles in a Single-Leg Drop Landing and Repetitive Rebound Jumps: An Ultrasound-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094511. [PMID: 33922807 PMCID: PMC8123000 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The plantar fascia and intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) modulate foot stiffness. However, it is unclear whether the corresponding ultrasonography findings reflect it. This study aimed to examine the effect of the plantar fascia and IFM morphologies on force attenuation during landing and reactivity when jumping in healthy adults (n = 21; age, 21-27 years). Thickness, cross-sectional area (CSA), and hardness of the plantar fascia, abductor hallucis (AbH), and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) muscles were measured using ultrasonography. Single-leg drop landing and repetitive rebound jumping tests assessed the ground reaction force (GRF) and reactive jump index (RJI), respectively. The CSA of FHB was negatively correlated with maximum vertical GRF (r = -0.472, p = 0.031) in the single-leg drop landing test. The CSA of AbH was negatively correlated with contact time (r = -0.478, p = 0.028), and the plantar fascia thickness was positively correlated with jump height (r = 0.615, p = 0.003) and RJI (r = 0.645, p = 0.002) in the repetitive bound jump test. In multivariate regression analysis, only the plantar fascia thickness was associated with RJI (β = 0.152, 95% confidence interval: 7.219-38.743, p = 0.007). The CSA of FHB may contribute to force attenuation during landing. The thickness of the plantar fascia and CSA of AbH may facilitate jumping high with minimal contact time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Morikawa
- Division of Sport Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (N.M.); (M.K.); (A.H.); (R.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Noriaki Maeda
- Division of Sport Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (N.M.); (M.K.); (A.H.); (R.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Makoto Komiya
- Division of Sport Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (N.M.); (M.K.); (A.H.); (R.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Arisu Hirota
- Division of Sport Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (N.M.); (M.K.); (A.H.); (R.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Rami Mizuta
- Division of Sport Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (N.M.); (M.K.); (A.H.); (R.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Toshiki Kobayashi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Kazuki Kaneda
- Division of Sport Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (N.M.); (M.K.); (A.H.); (R.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Yuichi Nishikawa
- Faculty of Frontier Engineering, Institute of Science & Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 076-264-5111, Japan;
| | - Yukio Urabe
- Division of Sport Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; (M.M.); (N.M.); (M.K.); (A.H.); (R.M.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Singh A, Zwirner J, Templer F, Kieser D, Klima S, Hammer N. On the morphological relations of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia via the calcaneus: a cadaveric study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5986. [PMID: 33727610 PMCID: PMC7966405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatments of plantar fasciitis are based on the premise that the Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) are mechanically directly linked, which is an area of debate. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological relationship between the AT and PF. Nineteen cadaveric feet were x-ray imaged, serially sectioned and plastinated for digital image analyses. Measurements of the AT and PF thicknesses and cross-sectional areas (CSA) were performed at their calcaneal insertion. The fiber continuity was histologically assessed in representative subsamples. Strong correlations exist between the CSA of the AT and PF at calcaneal insertion and the CSA of PF's insertional length (r = 0.80), and between the CSAs of AT's and PF's insertional lengths. Further correlations were observed between AT and PF thicknesses (r = 0.62). This close morphological relationship could, however, not be confirmed through x-ray nor complete fiber continuity in histology. This study provides evidence for a morphometric relationship between the AT and PF, which suggests the presence of a functional relationship between these two structures following the biological key idea that the structure determines the function. The observed morphological correlations substantiate the existing mechanical link between the AT and PF via the posterior calcaneus and might explain why calf stretches are a successful treatment option for plantar heel pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Singh
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - J Zwirner
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F Templer
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - D Kieser
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and MSM, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - S Klima
- Orthopaedicus, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - N Hammer
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Clinical and Macroscopic Anatomy, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology, Section of Medical Engineering, Dresden, Germany.
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