Recovery of the medial gastrocnemius muscle after calcaneus fracture differs between contractile and elastic components.

Patients with calcaneal fracture showed an incomplete restoration of the medial gastrocnemius dynamic morphological behavior. While muscle fascicle contraction almost recovered, the serial elastic component still showed restrictions regarding its shortening behavior. Limited foot mobility and plantarflexor strength as well as lowered responsiveness of elastic tissues to mechanical loading are regarded as key mechanisms.
Source: Clinical Biomechanics - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research