Elasticity standard values of the Achilles tendon assessed with acoustic radiation force impulse elastography on healthy volunteers: a cross section study

Abstract

BackgroundTo determine normal values for acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) shear wave elastography of the Achilles tendon.MethodsUsing the VTIQ mode with the Acuson S3000™ (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany), we measured the shear wave velocity (SWV) in m/s and the diameter in mm of both Achilles tendons in 182 healthy volunteers. The tendon was displayed in a sagittal view with a relaxed tendon. The parameters were tested for correlations with the anthropometric data of the subjects, between the genders and different age groups, as well as information obtained from the history, such as smoking and sporting activities.ResultsUsing a sagittal acoustic window, we determined a mean SWV of 9.09 ± 0.71 m/s for the left Achilles tendon and 9.17 ± 0.61 m/s for the right. There was a significant difference between the results for the right and left side (p < 0.05). The diameter on the left was 4.7 ± 0.9 mm. On the right, it was 4.8 ± 0.9 mm. Likewise there was a significant difference between the results for the diameter of the left and right side (p < 0.05). Neither gender, body mass index (BMI) nor age had a significant effect on either of the measured parameters (p > 0.05). The same goes for the consumption of tobacco and alcohol (p > 0.05).ConclusionsAge, gender, BMI, smoking or the consumption of alcohol did not affect either the elasticity or the diameter of the Achilles tendon.

A Multicenter Large‐Sample Shear Wave Ultrasound Elastographic Study of the Achilles Tendon in Chinese Adults

“…It allows measurement of the elastic modulus of a tissue, which provides a good reflection of the viscoelastic value of the Achilles tendon . Although there have been small single‐center studies of the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon, the viscoelasticity values used in those studies were highly variable . However, the factors affecting the mechanical and elastic values of the Achilles tendon are controversial .…”

“…4,6 Although there have been small single-center studies of the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon, the viscoelasticity values used in those studies were highly variable. [7][8][9] However, the factors affecting the mechanical and elastic values of the Achilles tendon are controversial. [10][11][12] On the other hand, the lack of a normal range for the elastic modulus hampers the quantitative evaluation of Achilles disease by using SWE.…”

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography imaging of equine distal forelimb flexor structures

“…As características qualitativas obtidas a partir INTRODUCTION Ultrasonography (US) is routinely used for visual assessment of tendons and ligaments in horses and is a valuable tool in clinical lameness evaluation. However, critical appraisal of image quality and proper image acquisition and interpretation are required for accurate diagnosis (Whitcomb, 2014). Also, this imaging modality is prone to artifacts such as acoustic shadowing at tendon margins.…”

“…Elastography is a novel US technique aimed at early detection of tendon and ligament injuries (Dudea et al, 2011;Whitcomb, 2014). Soft tissue stiffness may be determined using different methods, such as compression elastography, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and real-time shear wave elastography (Dudea et al, 2011).…”

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography and Ultrasonographic Findings of Achilles Tendon in Patients With and Without Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The tissue displacement results in shear wave dissemination, which is tracked with a probe, and is measured as the SWV (in m/s) [16]. Previous data from different populations' tendons evaluated with ARFI showed that softer AT indicates tendinopathy [17][18][19].…”