Shearwave elastography of the knee menisci

Abstract

Objectives: Sonoelastography is a relatively new technique used to evaluate the musculoskeletal system, but shear wave elastography of the knee menisci has not previously been reported. The purpose of this study is to study sonoelastographic features of the knee menisci. Methods: 34 knee joints were studied, in 17 healthy subjects. Shear wave elastography was used to evaluate the anterior horn of the medial meniscus. Normal sonoelastographic values were obtained. Results: The mean shear elastic modulus of the anterior horn of the right medial meniscus was 24.86 kPa (range 15.3- 36.1 ±6.35 SD), and 23.86 kPa (range14.6-37.6 ± 4.49 SD) for the anterior horn of the left medial meniscus. Inverse correlation was noted between the right medial meniscus elasticity and height. Inverse correlation was noted between the left medial meniscus elasticity and age, while positive correlation was noted between left medial meniscus elasticity and BMI. Conclusion: The elastic modulus of the knee menisci has been determined in healthy subjects and can serve as a reference when studying pathological conditions of these structures .