Shear Wave Elastography for Chronic Musculoskeletal Problem

Abstract

Shear wave elastography is a new noninvasive tool for the analysis of the biomechanical properties of the muscles in healthy and pathological conditions. Shear wave elastography is currently considered as a promising real-time visualization tool for quantifying explicitly the mechanical properties of soft tissues in sports medicine including muscle strain injury (MSI). This chapter shows utilizing diagnostic tools of magnetic resonance imaging, B mode ultrasound (US), and shear wave elastography in both acute and chronic phases. Also, the proposal for this chapter is to indicate the possibility of utilizing shear wave elastography for musculoskeletal injury, not only properties of the muscle but also fascial tissues. It introduces the relationship between previous muscle strain injury and local soft tissue stiffness, and we assessed the mechanical properties of soft tissues from a clinical perspective.