Is sonoelastography of value in assessing tendons?

Abstract

Sonoelastography is a newly introduced ultrasound technique that evaluates tissue elasticity and thus provides additional information to that offered by conventional ultrasound images. In the musculoskeletal field, sonoelastography can help improve estimation of tendon stiffness. In this article, the principles and future developments of sonoelastography are discussed using the strongest and thickest tendon of the human body, the Achilles tendon, for illustrative purposes. Preliminary findings of sonoelastography in healthy and pathological Achilles tendons, technical considerations, examination technique and several limitations are addressed. The usefulness of elastography can be expected to increase rapidly in the musculoskeletal field, as soon as we learn to interpret elastographic artifacts as well as to take advantage of the new information provided by sonoelastography.