Abstract
Introduction
The gastrocnemius tendon extends from the musculotendinous junction proximally to the conjoint junction with soleus distally. The morphology of the junction has not, to our knowledge, been described previously. Lengthening of the gastrocnemius tendon is a standard surgical procedure in surgery for cerebral palsy. The aims of the study were to describe the morphology of the conjoint junction and to identify the location of the gastrocnemius tendon relative to palpable bony landmarks to assist with incision planning.
Methods
Twenty-one embalmed adult cadaveric specimens were dissected to document the morphology of the conjoint junction. The location of the gastrocnemius tendon was measured relative to the distance between the palpable bony landmarks of the calcaneus and the head of the fibula.
Results
The conjoint junction morphology was transverse in 9/21 (43%), oblique in 6/21 (29%), and arcuate as an inverted ‘U’ in 4/21 legs (19%) and ‘U’ shaped in 2/21 legs (9%). On the medial side of the leg the gastrocnemius tendon was located between 35% and 43% of the distance between the calcaneus and fibula head. The corresponding distances for the midline were 39% and 56% and for the lateral side 40% and 50%.
Conclusion
The morphology of the conjoint junction varied in the specimens studied. An indication of the site of the gastrocnemius tendon relative to identifiable bony landmarks may help in incision planning either for open or endoscopic gastrocnemius lengthening.
