Cadaveric Study of the Junction Point Where the Gastrocnemius Aponeurosis Joins the Soleus Aponeurosis

PURPOSE: To study the location of the junction point where the gastrocnemius aponeurosis joins the soleus aponeurosis to form the Achilles tendon. METHODS: Twelve lower limb specimens were used. The distance between the medial tibial plateau and the superior border of the posterior calcaneal tubercle (A) was measured and the distances of the junction point to the superior border of the posterior calcaneal tubercle (B) were measured. RESULT: The ratio B/A averaged 0.45. The gastrocnemius muscle reached or extended beyond the junction point in eight specimens (67%). The average distance from the lowest border of the muscle to the junction point was 0±12mm (-25-25). CONCLUSION: There are great anatomical variations of the gastrocnemius insertion. Resection of muscle bound portion of the gastrocnemius aponeurosis is a more appropriate approach of endoscopic gastrocnemius aponeurosis recession. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This report suggests that resection of muscle bound portion rather than the muscle void portion of the gastrocnemius aponeurosis is a more appropriate approach of endoscopic gastrocnemius aponeurosis recession.