[Transient elastography of calcaneal tendon: preliminary results and future prospects]

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate transient ShearWave elastography of the normal Achilles' tendon.

Patients and methods: The Achilles' tendon of 30 normal subjects were prospectively assessed using a Rubi V1Sq prototype (Supersonic Imagine). Quantitative elastography maps displayed in kilopascals with a scale of 0 to 600kPa were generated from transverse and longitudinal images at 3 different levels of plantar flexion. Subgroups were compared and analyzed based on proven or suspected variation factors (age, gender, level of physical activity).

Results: On sagittal images, mean elasticity was 104±46kPa during extension, 464±144kPa in neutral position and 410±196kPa during maximum dorsiflexion. There was significant increase in elasticity when the Achilles' tendon was maximally stretched (p<0.01). The intra-individual correlation between right and left tendons during ankle extension was good (Pearson Coefficient 0.8; p<0.01). Finally, physically active subjects showed significantly greater elasticity than non-active subjects (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Transient ShearWave elastography of the Achilles' tendon is a simple technique that provides real-time information about tissue elasticity.