Investigation of the effects of foot morphometric properties on Achilles tendon rupture

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the morphometric measurements of the foot in patients with Achilles tendon rupture and healthy subjects without Achilles tendon rupture. Material and method: Foot radiographs of 72 male patients with Achilles tendon rupture and 75 healthy male patients (≥25 years of age) with no history of rupture and no history of trauma were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 24 angles and length measurements were made from the radiographs. The data obtained were compared between the two groups and statistical analyses were performed. Results: Significant differences were found between the control group and the rupture group in terms of the measured parameters. Significant differences were observed between the groups for talus length, calcaneus anterior facet height, Hibbs angle, talus ground angle, Mary angle, tibio-calcaneal angle, and weight axis angle values (p<0.05). In addition, the relationship between the measured parameters and age was examined. In the control group, a positive and significant relationship was found between age and Fowler-Philip angle and Hibbs angle measurements, while a negative and significant relationship was found between age and calcaneal pitch angle measurement. In the rupture group, a negative and significant relationship was found between age and foot bone height, upper calcaneus length, maximum calcaneus height, cuboidal height, and Fowler-Philip angle measurements (p<0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences were found in some parameters related to foot morphology between patients diagnosed with rupture and healthy individuals. Since there is limited data on this subject in the literature, our findings may be useful for future studies. will lead the way. Keywords: Foot skeleton, Foot biomechanics, Morphometry, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Radiography