Normal Thickness of the Tendo Calcaneus (TCT) in an Adult Nigerian Population: An Imaging Based Normographic Study

Abstract

The tendo calcaneus is a vital structure in the bipedalic system of human propulsion. Its thickness (TCT) was assessed in an apparently healthy young adult population of Southeast Nigeria using ultrasound. The relationship between TCT and other anthropometric parameters was also evaluated. 120 young adults with age ranging between 19 and 30 years volunteered for the study and their TCT was assessed using B-mode ultrasound. Height, weight, foot length and midcalf circumference were measured while Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) were calculated for the sample population. Results show that the mean values of TCT were 6.26±0.56mm and 6.32±0.58mm for the right and left sides respectively. TCT correlated positively with all the anthropometric variables assessed except age and BMI. TCT also showed significant sexual dimorphism (P=0.000), laterality and bilateral asymmetry with the left being thicker (P=0.000). These findings will further emphasize the biomechanical relationships of the large tendon. The study is the first to report lateralization and significant sexual dimorphism in a young adult population.