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Pelea MA, Serban O, Badarinza M, Gutiu R, Fodor D. Shear-Wave Elastography of the Achilles tendon: reliability analysis and impact of parameters modulating elasticity values. J Ultrasound 2024; 27:559-566. [PMID: 38613661 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-024-00877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Shear wave elastography (SWE) has seen many advancements in Achilles tendon evaluation in recent years, yet standardization of this technique is still problematic due to the lack of knowledge regarding the optimal way to perform the examination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ankle position, probe frequency and physical effort on the shear modulus of the Achilles tendon, but also to determine the intra and inter-observer reliability of the technique. METHODS 37 healthy volunteers were included; SWE protocol was performed by two examiners. We analyzed the shear modulus of the tendon with the ankle in neutral, maximum dorsiflexion and maximum plantar flexion using two different high frequency probes. Afterwards, the subjects performed a brief physical exercise and SWE measurements were repeated. RESULTS The L18-5 probe showed the highest ICC values (ICC = 0.798, 95% CI 0.660-0.880, p < 0.001) when positioned at 2 cm from the calcaneal insertion with the ankle in a neutral state. Conversely, utilizing the same L18-5 probe at 1 cm from the insertion during maximum plantar flexion of the ankle resulted in the lowest ICC (ICC = 0.422, 95% CI 0.032-0.655, p = 0.019). Significant variations in elasticity values were noted among different ankle positions and probe types, while no significant changes in elasticity were observed post-physical exercise. CONCLUSION Ankle position and probe frequency are factors that influence elasticity values of the Achilles tendon. An ankle position between 10 and 20 degrees of plantar flexion is the most suitable for SWE evaluation. However, more research focusing on Achilles tendon SWE is essential due to the challenges encountered in standardizing this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael-Andrei Pelea
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2-4 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca Napoca, Romania
| | - Oana Serban
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2-4 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Badarinza
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2-4 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana Gutiu
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2-4 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Fodor
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2-4 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca Napoca, Romania.
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Zellers JA, Li R, Vaidya R, Lohse K, North A, Cui S, Houston B, Chen M, Zheng J, Baxter J. Minimal effect of scanning parameters on ultrasound shear wave elastography variability in tendons. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2024. [PMID: 39031721 DOI: 10.1002/ksa.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultrasound shear wave elastography has potential use in assessing tendon tissue; however, reducing measurement variability remains challenging. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the amount of variability accounted for by ultrasound parameter (frequency, harmonics and CrossXBeam) settings on shear wave speed at two testing sites. METHODS Shear wave elastography images of the Achilles tendon were obtained from individuals with healthy tendons (n = 28) at two testing sites with standardised image acquisition/postprocessing protocols. Images were acquired at a range of frequencies (7-15 MHz) with CrossXBeam (a filtering technique) and harmonics settings toggled on and off. Variance decomposition analysis was performed to identify the amount of variability in shear wave speed accounted for by scan acquisition settings and testing sites. RESULTS Shear wave speed variance was primarily attributed to participants (56.87% of variance; residual error: 35%). All scanning parameters, testing site and interaction terms each accounted for less than 2.5% of the variance. A statistically significant, negative relationship was observed between shear wave speed and image quality (p = 0.001) suggesting poor image quality yields higher shear wave speed estimates. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that natural variation in Achilles tendon mechanics between individuals without tendon pathology accounts for most of the shear wave speed variability. Optimising image quality, which may be observed in higher frequencies, should be considered to improve shear wave speed estimation. Clinically, this study highlights the need to take multiple images, maintain consistent ultrasound settings when tracking patient progress over time and use caution when comparing raw values from tendon scans performed in different clinics with shear wave elastography. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Zellers
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ran Li
- Mallinkrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rachana Vaidya
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Keith Lohse
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrew North
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephane Cui
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Bryson Houston
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Menghan Chen
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Mallinkrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Josh Baxter
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Nowak AS, Miro EW, Eby SF, Cushman DM. Identification of pre-race ultrasonographic abnormalities of the Achilles tendon and association with future injuries in runners. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2024; 52:299-303. [PMID: 37550955 PMCID: PMC10858303 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2023.2246179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if specific morphological changes in ultrasonographic images of Achilles tendons are associated with the development of pain in distance runners. METHODS This study is a blinded, retrospective analysis of 276 Achilles tendon ultrasound images, which were used to determine if specific morphologic findings could positively or negatively predict future Achilles tendon pain development in distance runners. Pre-race ultrasound scans were performed on 138 asymptomatic half- and full marathon runners (276 tendons in total) who were followed for 12 months after their races. Specific patterns of morphologic abnormality were identified (location, size, and appearance of ultrasound abnormality within the tendon). Sonographic findings were blindly assessed by a medical student, a resident, and a physician who has significant sonographic imaging experience. These specific abnormalities were then compared to those who later did or did not develop tendon pain. RESULTS Three findings were found to have significant odds of association with the development of pain: 1) focal deep midsubstance intratendinous hypoechogenicity, 2) focal superficial midsubstance intratendinous hypoechogenicity, and 3) linear hyperechogenicity extending into middle of tendon from calcaneus. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the aforementioned specific morphologic abnormalities in the Achilles tendon may be associated with the future development of pain symptoms in distance runners in this cohort. Looking for these specific abnormalities may increase the specificity of identifying precursors to Achilles tendon pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Nowak
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mount Pleasant, MI
| | - Emily W. Miro
- University of Utah, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Sarah F. Eby
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel M. Cushman
- University of Utah, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Salt Lake City, UT
- University of Utah, Department of Orthopaedics, Salt Lake City, UT
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Kurashina W, Takahashi T, Sasanuma H, Saitsu A, Takeshita K. Relationship Between Achilles Tendon Stiffness Using Myoton PRO and Translation Using a Tensile Testing Machine: A Biomechanical Study of a Porcine Model. Cureus 2023; 15:e49359. [PMID: 38146575 PMCID: PMC10749689 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Achilles tendinopathy is a common ankle disorder in both the general population and athletes. This condition can alter the mechanical characteristics of the Achilles tendon (AT) by decreasing tendon stiffness. Achilles tendinopathy is primarily treated conservatively; however, few monitoring tools exist for evaluating the condition of the AT. The Myoton PRO (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) device is a handheld tool used to evaluate tissue stiffness. However, no basic studies have examined the validity of Myoton PRO for assessing the AT. This study aimed to assess the validity of Myoton PRO using animal ATs and to examine its clinical applicability. Methods We used 28 fresh porcine ankles and evaluated AT stiffness at the calcaneus insertion site (AT0) and 2.0 cm above the calcaneus (AT2) using Myoton PRO. We also measured changes in the AT length using a tensile testing machine during the cyclic loading test. We investigated the correlation between dynamic stiffness and length change. Furthermore, we assessed the difference in stiffness between AT0 and AT2. Results The dynamic stiffness was 717.6 ± 183.1 N/m at AT0 and 467.4 ± 152.3 N/m at AT2. The change in length during the cyclic loading test was 1.8 ± 0.7 mm. The correlation between dynamic stiffness and length change was as follows: AT0, r=-0.61; AT2, r=-0.64 (P<0.001). The dynamic stiffness at AT0 was significantly greater than that at AT2 (P<0.001). Conclusions AT assessment using Myoton PRO has potential clinical utility as an indicator of tissue stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Kurashina
- Graduate School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, JPN
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tochigi Medical Center Shimotsuga, Tochigi, JPN
| | - Tsuneari Takahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ishibashi General Hospital, Shimotsuke, JPN
| | - Hideyuki Sasanuma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, JPN
| | - Akihiro Saitsu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, JPN
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Rodríguez-Sanz D, Losa-Iglesias ME, de Bengoa-Vallejo RB, Sánchez-Milá Z, Dorgham HAA, Elerian AE, Yu T, Calvo-Lobo C, Velázquez-Saornil J, Martínez Jimene EM. A New Test for Achilles Tendinopathy Based on Kager's Fat Pad Clinical Assessment Predictive Values. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5183. [PMID: 37629225 PMCID: PMC10455944 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to check the diagnostic accuracy of a new test to identify Achilles tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN Observational study. METHODS Seventy patients recruited from a private medical centre met the diagnostic criteria for unilateral Achilles tendinopathy (age, 45.1 ± 12.7 years; weight, 75.00 ± 10 kg; height, 1.75 ± 0.1 m) and were tested based on both Achilles tendons. Seventy patients with a unilateral Achilles tendinopathy ultrasound diagnosis were tested using David's test. RESULTS Most (86%) subjects demonstrated Kager's fat pad asymmetry in relation to the Achilles tendon in the complete passive dorsiflexion in the prone position (David's sign). No healthy tendons had David's sign. CONCLUSIONS The presence of asymmetry in Kager's fat pad in relation to the Achilles tendon during complete passive dorsiflexion is strongly indicative of ultrasound-diagnosed tendinopathy. David's test demonstrated a sensitivity of 85.71% (95% CI, 77.51% to 93.91%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI, 100% to 100%), while noting the lack of blinding of the assessors and the uncertainty of the diagnostic measures (95% CI). Asymmetry of the fat pad could potentially serve as a characteristic marker for patients with Achilles tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Rodríguez-Sanz
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.B.d.B.-V.); (T.Y.); (C.C.-L.); (E.M.M.J.)
| | - Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Móstoles, Spain; (M.E.L.-I.); (J.V.-S.)
| | - Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa-Vallejo
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.B.d.B.-V.); (T.Y.); (C.C.-L.); (E.M.M.J.)
| | - Zacarías Sánchez-Milá
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de Ávila, 05005 Ávila, Spain;
| | | | - Ahmed Ebrahim Elerian
- Department of Basic Science for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al Salam University, Tanta 31511, Egypt;
| | - Tian Yu
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.B.d.B.-V.); (T.Y.); (C.C.-L.); (E.M.M.J.)
| | - César Calvo-Lobo
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.B.d.B.-V.); (T.Y.); (C.C.-L.); (E.M.M.J.)
| | - Jorge Velázquez-Saornil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Móstoles, Spain; (M.E.L.-I.); (J.V.-S.)
| | - Eva María Martínez Jimene
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.B.d.B.-V.); (T.Y.); (C.C.-L.); (E.M.M.J.)
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