Sonographic Evaluation of the Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia of Type 2 Diabetics in Nigeria

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the Achilles tendon (AT) thickness (ATT) and plantar fascia (PF) thickness (PFT) of diabetics with and without peripheral neuropathy (PN) to that of a control population. Materials and Methods: B-mode sonography of the AT and PF was done. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between ATT and PFT with demographic data such as body mass index, duration of diabetes, and presence of PN. A multivariate regression was used to construct models for determining the thicknesses. Results: Eighty type 2 diabetics were recruited and categorized into groups based on the presence or absence of PN (Groups A and B, respectively). Group A constituted 57 participants while there were 23 in Group B. Eighty controls constituted Group C. Mean values of 6.08 +/- 0.65, 5.08 +/- 0.48, and 4.57 +/- 0.57 mm (P < 0.001) of the right ATT were obtained in Groups A to C while values of 1.95 +/- 0.35, 1.88 +/- 0.39, and 1.44 +/- 0.20 mm (P < 0.001) were obtained for the right PFT. Conclusion: The presence of PN and factors such as diabetes duration can affect the thickness of AT and PF.