Epidemiologic investigation of 1394 feet: Coincidence of hindfoot malalignment and Achilles tendon disorders

BackgroundThe aim of this epidemiologic study was to evaluate the incidence of the Achilles tendinopathy in non athletes and the coincidence with varus alignment of the hindfoot.MethodsSix hundred ninety-seven patients (1394 feet) have been analysed. The tibiocalcaneal axis was goniometrically measured. The presence of a non insertional and insertional Achilles tendinopathy was clinically determined.ResultsAchilles tendinopathy was found in 5.6% of the patients (4% insertional, 3.6% non insertional, 1.9% both forms). The average tibiocalcaneal angle was calculated with −0.76° for the tendinopathy group and −0.96° for the insertional tendinopathy whereas the control group showed an average angle of 1.77°. For the total group the average tibiocalcaneal axis was calculated with 1.62°. Out of 1394 feet 38.3% showed a varus axis of the hindfoot and 61.7% a valgus alignment.ConclusionsThe coincidence of varus alignment and Achilles tendinopathy could be validated.