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Evaluation of Young’s Modulus in Achilles Tendons with Diabetic Neuroarthropathy

William P. Grant, DPM ^* , Eric J. Foreman, DPM ^*, Anne S. Wilson, MS , Dwayne A. Jacobus, DPM ^* and Renee M. Kukla, DPM ^*

^* Diabetic Foot and Limb Salvage, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk.
Tidewater Foot and Ankle Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Research and Development, Lifenet, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Corresponding author: William P. Grant, DPM, 762 Independence Blvd, Ste 771, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Abstract

The Achilles tendon of the patient with Charcot’s foot neuroarthropathy has significantly altered physical properties compared with a normal tendon. Twenty-nine Achilles tendons from patients with Charcot’s foot (n = 20) and non-Charcot’s foot controls (n = 9) were loaded onto a biomechanical testing instrument. The biomechanical properties of the Charcot and control tendons were determined and the tendons were evaluated for differences in ultimate tensile strength and elasticity (Young’s modulus). Biomechanical test data show that there is a significant difference in ultimate tensile strength and elasticity between tendons of patients with Charcot’s foot and those of non-Charcot’s controls. The term diabetic tendo Achillis equinus is introduced as a new finding in diabetic neuroarthropathy. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 95(3): 242–246, 2005)