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

Abstract

Background Foot morphology plays a critical role in load distribution within the foot-Achilles tendon complex. However, the relationship between specific angular morphometric characteristics of the foot and Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) remains incompletely understood. Methods In this retrospective study, non-weight-bearing lateral foot radiographs of 147 male individuals aged >= 25 years were evaluated. The rupture group consisted of 72 patients diagnosed with ATR, and the control group included 75 healthy individuals with no prior history of trauma or rupture. A total of five angular foot morphometric parameters were assessed. Between-group comparisons were performed using independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, as appropriate. Results Significant differences between the rupture and control groups were observed in the Hibbs angle (124.49 +/- 9.52 degrees vs. 128.10 +/- 7.58 degrees; p = 0.012), Talar ground angle (20.29 +/- 5.66 degrees vs. 23.48 +/- 4.69 degrees; p < 0.001), Meary angle (12.55 +/- 5.78 degrees vs. 7.13 +/- 4.81 degrees; p < 0.001). No significant differences were detected for the remaining angular parameters. Conclusions Several angular foot alignment parameters differed between individuals with ATR and healthy controls. Significant differences between individuals with Achilles tendon rupture and healthy controls were identified in the talar ground angle, Meary angle, and Hibbs angle. These findings indicate that sagittal plane foot alignment, particularly longitudinal arch configuration and talar-first metatarsal orientation, may be associated with Achilles tendon rupture.