The following protocol follows the guidelines set forth by and has been approved by the University Institutional Review Board to ensure safe and ethical human subject research. All subjects provided informed consent for participation in the research studies and dissemination of data. The full protocol takes approximately 20 minutes to perform by a trained sonographer. However, individual measurements may be taken per assessment need.
1. Marking of the skin
Figure 1: Skin measurement markings. Tibial length is measured as the distance from the medial tibial plateau to the most distal aspect of the medial malleolus. Soleus muscle thickness is measured at 30% of the tibial length proximal to the most distal aspect of the medial malleolus (blue mark). Gastrocnemius muscle CSA is measured at 25% of the tibial length distal to the medial tibial plateau (red mark). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2: Participant positioning for ultrasound imaging. The participant is prone with knees fully extended and feet hanging relaxed in a resting ankle position off the edge of the plinth. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
2. Ultrasound imaging
NOTE: All images will be taken on both legs. All images should be taken along the midline of the Achilles tendon. Use palpation of the medial and lateral borders of the Achilles tendon to determine midline location.
Figure 3: Achilles tendon thickness and CSA measurement locations. Extended field of view ultrasound images of (A) a healthy and (B) tendinopathic Achilles tendon. Dotted lines indicate tendon borders. Red arrows indicate measurement locations. Yellow lines indicate the distance proximal to the proximal calcaneal notch (white arrow). In the case of thickening at the 2 cm mark (B), healthy tendon thickness should be taken at a healthy area in the free tendon (blue arrow). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 4: Achilles tendon length measurements. Extended field of view ultrasound image of the Achilles tendon. Free tendon length (yellow line) is measured from the proximal Achilles tendon insertion on the proximal calcaneal notch to the soleus myotendinous junction (MTJ). Full tendon length (red line) is measured from the proximal Achilles tendon insertion on the proximal calcaneal notch to the gastrocnemius myotendinous junction (MTJ)10. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 5: Tendon anisotropy. Achilles tendon anisotropy occurs when the ultrasound waves are not perpendicular to the structure. Tilting the ultrasound probe will cause the tendon structure to appear (A) hyperechoic or (B) hypoechoic depending on the relationship of ultrasound waves to the tendon. Dotted lines indicate tendon borders. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 6: Additional ultrasound imaging findings. (A) Neovascularization, (B) retrocalcaneal bursitis, (C) entheseal calcifications, (D) intratendinous calcifications. Areas colored red and yellow indicate blood flow within the tendon region of interest (yellow box). Dotted lines indicate bursa borders. Arrows indicate calcifications20. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
3. Ultrasound measurements
NOTE: Ultrasound measurements can be made on the machine based on the settings and tools for the respective ultrasound machine. Images can also be exported for taking measurements on software such as Osirix DICOM viewer. The average of the three trials for each measure will be used for analysis.
Figure 7: Achilles tendon thickening. Achilles tendon thickening is calculated by subtracting (A) the thickness of the healthy portion of the tendon from (B) the thickness of the thickest portion of the tendon31. Dotted lines indicate tendon borders. Red lines indicate tendon thickness. Yellow lines indicated a 2 cm distance proximal to the proximal calcaneal notch. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 8: Achilles tendon cross-sectional area and thickness. Ultrasound images of the Achilles tendon in (A) cross-section and (B) longitudinal view at the thickest portion. Dotted lines indicate tendon borders. The red line indicates tendon thickness. A cross-section of the tendon is shown with and without a border for clarity. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 9: Soleus muscle thickness. Ultrasound image of the soleus muscle. Dotted lines indicate muscle borders. The red line indicates muscle thickness. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 10: Gastrocnemius muscle cross-sectional area. Extended field of view ultrasound image of medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles in cross-section. Dotted lines indicate tendon borders. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
The measures in this protocol have been demonstrated to be reliable and valid10,20. Excellent reliability has been reported for extended field-of-view Achilles tendon length to gastrocnemius (interclass correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.944) and Achilles tendon length to soleus (ICC: 0.898)10. The minimal detectable change at the group level (MDCgroup) for Achilles tendon length measures is 0.43 cm for length to gastrocnemius and 0.41 cm for length to soleus. The MDC at the individual level (MDCindividual) is 1.83 cm for length to gastrocnemius and 1.73 cm for length to soleus10. Further, comparison between Achilles tendon length measures assessed via extended field-of-view ultrasound imaging and physical measurements on cadaver specimens reveals excellent validity for length to gastrocnemius (ICC: 0.895) and moderate to good validity for length to soleus (ICC:0.744)10. Excellent reliability has also been established for Achilles tendon thickness (ICC: 0.898)10 and Achilles tendon CSA measures (ICC: 0.986)20 with a MDCgroup of 0.007 cm for thickness (MDCindividual=0.03 cm) and 0.009 cm2 for CSA21.
Previously, Park et al. established the reliability and validity of anatomical CSA of the gastrocnemius muscles using ultrasound imaging13. Triceps surae muscle ultrasound imaging measures have also been established as reliable. In a sample of 10 health participants, excellent reliability was calculated for medial (ICC: 0.988, MDCgroup: 0.305 cm2, MDCindividual: 0.964 cm2) and lateral (ICC: 0.838, MDCgroup: 0.605 cm2, MDCindividual: 1.91 cm2) gastrocnemius CSA. In the same healthy sample, soleus thickness was found to have good reliability (ICC: 0.787, MDCgroup: 0.093 cm, MDCindividual: 0.293 cm).
Representative results are presented with data from healthy participants (Delaware, USA), participants with Achilles tendinopathy (Delaware, USA), and participants 6 months post Achilles tendon rupture (Delaware, USA and Stockholm, Sweden; Table 1). It is also important to note the demographic differences between groups (Table 2). Consistent with published literature, the sample of individuals post Achilles tendon rupture has a greater proportion of males to females, whereas the individuals with Achilles tendinopathy are closer to an even distribution of males and females22,23. Additionally, in this data set, the healthy participants are younger than the participants with Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles tendon rupture.
Key findings for healthy participants include an Achilles tendon mean thickness of 0.47 cm and CSA of 0.58 cm2, consistent with findings by Jackson et al.24 and Schmidt et al.25. While there are no significant differences between limbs in Achilles tendon length measures for healthy individuals10, there is a notably large range for all morphological values. Tendon thickness and CSA vary between individuals as a result of body size, sex, age, exercise, and comorbidities26,27,28,29. Therefore, when evaluating patients with injuries, it is important to use the uninvolved side for comparison. Further, when comparing individuals, using limb symmetry helps to account for body size, physical activity level, and other factors.
For individuals with Achilles tendinopathy, these findings, consistent with the current literature, show thicker tendons with larger CSA compared to asymptomatic limbs30, as well as tendon thickening in the symptomatic region. While CSA and tendon thickness are different within regions, the results also show that individuals post Achilles tendon rupture have Achilles tendon elongation, larger Achilles tendon CSA, and lower triceps surae muscle thickness/CSA in the involved compared to the uninvolved limb.
Healthy | Achilles Tendinopathy | Achilles Tendon Rupture | |||||||
Timepoint | Initial Evaluation | 6 weeks5 | 6 months4,5,20 | ||||||
Side | Right (n=32) | Left (n=32) | Involved (n=72) | Uninvolved (n=72) | Involved | Uninvolved | Involved | Uninvolved | |
AT Length to Gastrocnemius (cm) mean±SD (min, max) |
20.1±2.0 (15.8, 23.9) | 20.1±2.0 (16.0, 23.8) | 20.85±2.39 (13.44,25.93) | 20.57±2.26 (14.10, 24.60) | 24.00±2.305 (18.86, 29.33) | 22.16±2.265 (17.20, 28.87) | 22.3±2.720 24.14±2.345 (18.05, 29.97) | 20.6±2.720 22.39±2.375 (17.53, 28.97) | |
AT Length to Soleus (cm) mean±SD (min, max) |
5.7±1.5 (2.9, 9.9) | 5.5±1.7 (2.1, 11.1) | 6.57±1.93 (3.17, 11.53) | 6.29±1.71 (2.88, 10.33) | |||||
AT CSA (cm2) mean±SD |
0.58±0.10 (0.41, 0.79) | 0.58±0.12 (0.39, 0.79) | 0.91±0.49 (0.36, 2.49) | 0.70±0.25 (0.36, 1.61) | 3.31±1.004 2.77±0.655 | 0.61±0.124 0.59±0.155 | |||
AT Thickness (cm) mean±SD (min, max) |
0.47±0.06 (0.33, 0.58) | 0.47±0.6 (0.38, 0.65) | 0.74±0.28 (0.39, 1.63) | 0.57±0.14 (0.38, 0.97) | |||||
AT Thickening (mm) mean±SD (min, max) |
2.60±2.35 (0.09, 11.96) | 1.05±0.88 (0.00, 4.18) | |||||||
Soleus Thickness (cm) mean±SD (min, max) |
1.30±0.34 (0.65, 2.28) | 1.25±0.34 (0.60, 2.55) | 1.12±0.335 (0.41, 1.81) | 1.29±0.325 (0.67, 2.17) | 1.02±0.315 (0.30, 1.71) | 1.39±0.385 (0.58, 2.46) | |||
MG CSA (cm2) mean±SD (min, max) |
14.08±4.39 (5.98, 30.85) | 14.09±4.29 (6.80, 28.02) | 11.85±2.935 (5.14, 18.71) | 14.37±3.225 (8.15, 21.60) | 13.54±3.335 (6.30, 21.45) | 15.22±3.365 (8.12, 22.84) | |||
LG CSA (cm2) mean±SD (min, max) |
8.06±2.41 (3.93, 14.30) | 7.92±2.28 (4.08, 13.63) | 6.89±1.855 (3.63, 13.02) | 8.85±2.025 (5.38, 13.90) | 8.41±2.135 (4.28, 15.69) | 9.36±1.985 (5.32, 14.60) |
Table 1: Representative results of healthy participants, participants with unilateral Achilles tendinopathy, and participants 6 months post Achilles tendon rupture. Abbreviations: AT = Achilles tendon; CSA = cross-sectional area; MG = medial gastrocnemius; LG = lateral gastrocnemius. Group data merged for presentation, 6 weeks n=54, 6 months n=565.
Sex, female, n (%) | Age, years | BMI, kg/m2 | Treatment | |
ATR: Zellers et al.20 (n=27) | 6 (22%) | 39±11 | 27.9±4.4 | 22 surgical, 5 non-surgical |
ATR: Zellers et al.4 (n=22) | 5 (23%) | 40±11 | Not reported | 17 surgical, 5 non-surgical |
ATR: Aufwerber et al.5 (n=56) | 12 (22%) | 38.4±8.2 | 25.1±2.9 | 56 surgical |
Achilles tendinopathy (n=72) | 37 (51%) | 46±14 | 28.1±5.9 | |
Healthy (n=32) | 13 (41%) | 31±12 | 26.1±4.9 |
Table 2: Demographics of each set of representative data. Abbreviations: ATR = Achilles tendon rupture. Subject data published in4 is a partial sample of subject data reported in20. Group data merged for presentation5.
Aquaflex Stand Off Pad | Parker Laboratories | E8317C | |
Aquasonic ultrasound Gel | Parker Laboratories | E8365AF | |
Linear Array Ultrasound Probe L4-12t-RS | GE Healthcare | 5495987 | |
LOGIC e Ultrasound | GE Healthcare | E8349PA | |
Osirix Dicom Viewer | Pixmeo SARL | Software for measurements |
Achilles tendon injuries occur throughout the lifespan and can negatively affect quality of life and overall health. Achilles tendinopathy is generally classified as an overuse injury associated with fusiform tendon thickening, neovascularization, and interstitial tendon degeneration. Current literature suggests these structural changes are associated with symptoms and lower physical activity levels, as well as symptoms and lower extremity function in the long term. Surgically and non-surgically managed Achilles tendon ruptures result in increased tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) and a lengthened Achilles tendon. Both structural outcomes have clinical implications, as larger CSA positively predicts function, whereas increased tendon lengthening predicts reduced function after Achilles tendon rupture. Given the relationship between structural changes associated with Achilles tendon injuries for both injury severity and injury recovery, it is critical to be able to quantify Achilles tendon structure reliably and accurately. Silbernagel's group has established a valid and reliable method for efficiently evaluating triceps surae muscle and tendon structure. In this protocol, B-mode musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is used to measure triceps surae structure, including Achilles tendon thickness and CSA, soleus thickness, and the presence of additional findings (calcifications and bursitis). B-mode extended field-of-view is used to measure Achilles tendon length and gastrocnemius anatomical CSA. Finally, power Doppler is used to identify intratendinous neovascularization. Quantification of triceps surae structure allows for comparison between limbs as well as longitudinal changes in response to exercise and treatment for healthy individuals and those with Achilles tendon injuries. This protocol has been used in many research studies to date and proves valuable in understanding the relationship between tendon structure and injury development, severity, and recovery. As ultrasound devices are becoming more affordable and portable, this protocol proves promising as a clinical tool, given its quick and efficient methods.
Achilles tendon injuries occur throughout the lifespan and can negatively affect quality of life and overall health. Achilles tendinopathy is generally classified as an overuse injury associated with fusiform tendon thickening, neovascularization, and interstitial tendon degeneration. Current literature suggests these structural changes are associated with symptoms and lower physical activity levels, as well as symptoms and lower extremity function in the long term. Surgically and non-surgically managed Achilles tendon ruptures result in increased tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) and a lengthened Achilles tendon. Both structural outcomes have clinical implications, as larger CSA positively predicts function, whereas increased tendon lengthening predicts reduced function after Achilles tendon rupture. Given the relationship between structural changes associated with Achilles tendon injuries for both injury severity and injury recovery, it is critical to be able to quantify Achilles tendon structure reliably and accurately. Silbernagel's group has established a valid and reliable method for efficiently evaluating triceps surae muscle and tendon structure. In this protocol, B-mode musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is used to measure triceps surae structure, including Achilles tendon thickness and CSA, soleus thickness, and the presence of additional findings (calcifications and bursitis). B-mode extended field-of-view is used to measure Achilles tendon length and gastrocnemius anatomical CSA. Finally, power Doppler is used to identify intratendinous neovascularization. Quantification of triceps surae structure allows for comparison between limbs as well as longitudinal changes in response to exercise and treatment for healthy individuals and those with Achilles tendon injuries. This protocol has been used in many research studies to date and proves valuable in understanding the relationship between tendon structure and injury development, severity, and recovery. As ultrasound devices are becoming more affordable and portable, this protocol proves promising as a clinical tool, given its quick and efficient methods.
Achilles tendon injuries occur throughout the lifespan and can negatively affect quality of life and overall health. Achilles tendinopathy is generally classified as an overuse injury associated with fusiform tendon thickening, neovascularization, and interstitial tendon degeneration. Current literature suggests these structural changes are associated with symptoms and lower physical activity levels, as well as symptoms and lower extremity function in the long term. Surgically and non-surgically managed Achilles tendon ruptures result in increased tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) and a lengthened Achilles tendon. Both structural outcomes have clinical implications, as larger CSA positively predicts function, whereas increased tendon lengthening predicts reduced function after Achilles tendon rupture. Given the relationship between structural changes associated with Achilles tendon injuries for both injury severity and injury recovery, it is critical to be able to quantify Achilles tendon structure reliably and accurately. Silbernagel's group has established a valid and reliable method for efficiently evaluating triceps surae muscle and tendon structure. In this protocol, B-mode musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is used to measure triceps surae structure, including Achilles tendon thickness and CSA, soleus thickness, and the presence of additional findings (calcifications and bursitis). B-mode extended field-of-view is used to measure Achilles tendon length and gastrocnemius anatomical CSA. Finally, power Doppler is used to identify intratendinous neovascularization. Quantification of triceps surae structure allows for comparison between limbs as well as longitudinal changes in response to exercise and treatment for healthy individuals and those with Achilles tendon injuries. This protocol has been used in many research studies to date and proves valuable in understanding the relationship between tendon structure and injury development, severity, and recovery. As ultrasound devices are becoming more affordable and portable, this protocol proves promising as a clinical tool, given its quick and efficient methods.