ANATOMY OF THE ACHILLES-TENDON AND PLANTAR FASCIA IN RELATION TO THE CALCANEUS IN VARIOUS AGE-GROUPS

Ten adult cadaver feet, three neonatal feet, and the feet of two fetus es were dissected to investigate whether an anatomical continuity exis ts between the fibers of the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. H istologic sections of the feet were done in three age groups: neonate, persons in their mid-20s, and the elderly. As the foot ages, there ap pears to be continued diminution of the number of fibers connecting th e Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The neonate has a thick continua tion of fibers, while the middle-aged foot has only superficial perios teal fibers that continue from tendon to fascia. The elderly feet show simply an insertion of fibers of both structures into the calcaneus w ith periosteum in between.