New Approach for B-Mode Ultrasound (US) Evaluation of the Plantar Aponeurosis (PA) Thickness in Healthy Subjects.

Purpose:  To compare ultrasound (US) measurements in the sagittal and axial plane of the plantar aponeurosis (PA) in healthy subjects.

Materials And Methods:  PA thickness was measured in 40 healthy subjects (mean age: 34 years) by two radiologists using US in sagittal, axial medial and axial lateral planes. Subjects were classified according to gender (female and male) and age (18 - 35 versus 50 - 75 years). All measurements were compared and the interobserver agreement was calculated.

Results:  The PA was medially significantly thicker than laterally (mean ± std 3.1 ± 0.7 mm versus 2.5 ± 0.5 mm respectively, P< 0.001). A significant difference was found between males and females (3.3 ± 0.7 mm versus 2.9 ± 0.6 mm medially and 2.7 ± 0.6 mm versus 2.3 ± 0.4 mm laterally, p < 0.05) and between the older and younger age groups (3.8 ± 0.6 mm versus 2.8 ± 0.4 mm medially and 3.1 ± 0.4 mm versus 2.3 ± 0.4 mm laterally, p < 0.001). Good interobserver agreement was detected (0.74).

Conclusion:  Measurement of central and lateral fascicles of the plantar aponeurosis in both planes (sagittal and axial) is recommended in the daily routine.

Key Points:   · US examination of the central and lateral fascicles of the PA was feasible.. · PA thickness measurements showed significant differences based on age and gender.. · There was good interobserver correlation between both examiners despite the major difference in experience.. · Scanning of two planes for the PA is recommended in the daily routine.. · PA thickness measurement by US is a fast and reliable method for junior radiologists..

Citation Format: · Abd Ellah MM, Kremser C, Strobl S et al. New Approach for B-Mode Ultrasound (US) Evaluation of the Plantar Aponeurosis (PA) Thickness in Healthy Subjects. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2019; 191: 333 - 339.