Effect of ankle and knee position on tension in the Achilles tendon
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1-1-1999
Journal
Foot and Ankle International
Volume
20
Issue
2
DOI
10.1177/107110079902000210
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative contributions of ankle and knee position to tension in the Achilles tendon and to determine whether there exists a position of plantarflexion at which the passive tensioning effect of knee extension is eliminated. Seven matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaver lower extremities were tested. A buckle transducer was used to measure forces in the tendon throughout the full range of knee motion, with the hindfoot fixed. Positioning the hindfoot in 20°to 25°of plantarflexion effectively eliminates tension in the Achilles tendon, regardless of knee position. This information is directly applicable both to the nonoperative treatment of ruptures of the Achilles tendon employing a short leg cast and to surgical repairs, in which tension must be controlled precisely.
APA Citation
Davis, W., Singerman, R., Labropoulos, P., & Victoroff, B. (1999). Effect of ankle and knee position on tension in the Achilles tendon. Foot and Ankle International, 20 (2). http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/107110079902000210