Ultrasonographic measurements of the achilles tendon and talar condylar cartilage thickness in paraplegics and healthy controls

Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional study. Objectives The aim of the study is to ultrasonographically measure the ankle talar cartilage and achilles tendon thicknesses in paraplegics and to compare them with the healthy population. Setting: Clinical evaluations were conducted in the physical therapy and rehabilitation department. Methods Twenty-four paraplegics and twenty-four healthy controls with similar demographic characteristics were included in the study. The age, gender, body mass index, educational status, and the talus cartilage and achilles tendon thicknesses measured by ultrasonography of all participants were recorded. Results The mean right talar cartilage thickness was 0.97 (0.23) mm in paraplegics > 24 months, whereas it was 1.1 (0.44) mm in paraplegics < 24 months. When the right talar cartilage thickness was compared with the control group, it was significantly thinner in paraplegics > 24 months (p < 0.05). The mean right proximal Achilles tendon thickness was 4.90 mm ± 1.13 in paraplegics < 24 months, whereas it was 4.5 (0.99) mm in paraplegics > 24 months. In comparisons with the control group, while the right proximal Achilles tendon thickness was significantly thicker in paraplegics with a paraplegia duration of less than 24 months (p < 0,05), no difference was detected in paraplegics with a paraplegia duration longer than 24 months (p > 0.05). Conclusions The detection of thinning in the talar cartilage in patients with a paraplegia duration of > 24 months may be helpful for the early recognition of long-term talar cartilage degeneration or the possible development of ankle joint problems. The study was registered with the number NCT05483764.