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Altered Achilles tendon morphology in individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis: a case report

Authors :
Jing Nong Liang
Kai-Yu Ho
Source :
BMC Medical Imaging, Vol 20, Iss 1, Pp 1-5 (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
BMC, 2020.

Abstract

Abstract Background Individuals post-stroke walk slowly and with more effort, which puts them at higher risks for falls. The slow walking speed results from insufficient propulsive forces generated by the paretic leg. Current rehabilitative efforts to improve walking function target increasing propulsive forces, but overlook the muscle-tendon unit. Case presentations Two individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis are presented. In both individuals post-stroke, paretic ankle plantarflexors presented with increased muscle tone. Gait kinetics revealed asymmetric propulsive forces, specifically, insufficient propulsive forces by the paretic legs, consistent with previous literature. Sonography revealed increased thickness of paretic Achilles tendon at the calcaneal insertion, in both stroke cases, in contrast to comparable Achilles tendon thickness between limbs in the non-neurologically impaired controls. Conclusion Tendon unit integrity should be considered in individuals post-stroke who demonstrate abnormal muscle tone and insufficient propulsion during gait.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14712342
Volume :
20
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMC Medical Imaging
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.255034e56f1f41f09d4b2522287363b6
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12880-020-00431-0