RESUMO
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 (18â-â35 versus 50â-â75 years). All measurements were compared and the interobserver agreement was calculated. RESULTS: The PA was medially significantly thicker than laterally (mean ± std 3.1â±â0.7âmm versus 2.5â±â0.5âmm respectively, P<â0.001). A significant difference was found between males and females (3.3â±â0.7âmm versus 2.9â±â0.6âmm medially and 2.7â±â0.6âmm versus 2.3â±â0.4âmm laterally, pâ<â0.05) and between the older and younger age groups (3.8â±â0.6âmm versus 2.8â±â0.4âmm medially and 3.1â±â0.4âmm versus 2.3â±â0.4âmm laterally, pâ<â0.001). 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 etâal. New Approach for B-Mode Ultrasound (US) Evaluation of the Plantar Aponeurosis (PA) Thickness in Healthy Subjects. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2019; 191: 333â-â339.