Normative data on lower extremity entheseal tendon thicknesses in healthy children: an ultrasound study correlating age, sex, and anthropometry
Authors' conclusion
This study examined the ultrasonographic characteristics of lower extremity entheseal tendons in healthy children using B-mode and power Doppler, provided normative data on their thicknesses, and demonstrated significant correlations between tendon thicknesses and both age and anthropometric measures.
Study context
- Population
- Healthy children aged 5–18 years
- Participants
- 192 healthy children
- Outcome
- Normative lower extremity entheseal tendon thicknesses (DQT, proximal patellar ligament (PPL), DPL, AT, PF) and their correlations with age, gender, weight, height and BMI
Methodological detailsmusculoskeletal US, power Doppler
- Musculoskeletal US
- Power Doppler
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Entheseal tendon thickness
- Normative data on thicknesses according to age, weight, height and BMI established
- Significant positive correlations between thicknesses and age, weight, height and BMI
- Weight the most influential factor, particularly for distal patellar ligament (DPL) and Achilles tendon (AT)
- Right side tendons (AT and plantar fascia (PF)) statistically thicker
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
Minimal Doppler activity in entheseal distal quadriceps tendon (DQTs), children aged 5-9 years
- Proportion of entheseal DQTs with minimal Doppler activity
- 10.6%
Interobserver and intraobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC))
- High to excellent interobserver and intraobserver agreement
Original publication
Normative data on lower extremity entheseal tendon thicknesses in healthy children: an ultrasound study correlating age, sex, and anthropometry. Rheumatology (Oxford). Published 9 September 2024. doi:10.
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