Intrinsic foot muscles morphological modifications in patients with Achilles tendinopathy: A novel case-control research study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the Abductor Hallucis Brevis (AHB), Flexor Digitorum Brevis (FDB) and Flexor Hallucis Brevis (FHB) in subjects with and without chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT).

Design: A case-control research study.

Setting: A private clinic.

Participants: A total sample of 143 subjects was recruited for the study and divided in two groups, such as chronic mid-portion AT group (n = 71) and healthy group (n = 72).

Main outcome measures: Ultrasound B-Mode imaging was used to measure the thickness and CSA of the AHB, FDB and FHB in subjects with and without chronic mid-portion AT at rest.

Results: USI measurements of the AHB (p < .001) and FDB (p < .001) thicknesses, as well as FDB (p = .005) and FHB CSA (p = .048), were increased for the tendinopathy group with respect to healthy group. However, FHB muscle thickness (p < .001) increases were showed for the control group with respect the tendinopathy group.

Conclusions: USI measurements of ABH and FDB thicknesses, as well as FDB and FHB CSA, were increased in patients who suffered from AT with respect to healthy group.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal diseases; Tendinopathy; Ultrasonography.