Abstract
BackgroundTo determine normal values for acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) shear wave elastography of the Achilles tendon.MethodsUsing the VTIQ mode with the Acuson S3000™ (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany), we measured the shear wave velocity (SWV) in m/s and the diameter in mm of both Achilles tendons in 182 healthy volunteers. The tendon was displayed in a sagittal view with a relaxed tendon. The parameters were tested for correlations with the anthropometric data of the subjects, between the genders and different age groups, as well as information obtained from the history, such as smoking and sporting activities.ResultsUsing a sagittal acoustic window, we determined a mean SWV of 9.09 ± 0.71 m/s for the left Achilles tendon and 9.17 ± 0.61 m/s for the right. There was a significant difference between the results for the right and left side (p < 0.05). The diameter on the left was 4.7 ± 0.9 mm. On the right, it was 4.8 ± 0.9 mm. Likewise there was a significant difference between the results for the diameter of the left and right side (p < 0.05). Neither gender, body mass index (BMI) nor age had a significant effect on either of the measured parameters (p > 0.05). The same goes for the consumption of tobacco and alcohol (p > 0.05).ConclusionsAge, gender, BMI, smoking or the consumption of alcohol did not affect either the elasticity or the diameter of the Achilles tendon.
Highlights
To determine normal values for acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) shear wave elastography of the Achilles tendon
The study included 182 healthy volunteers, with data collected from both Achilles tendons in each volunteer, for a total of 364 tendonds examined
A mean ± standard deviation of 4.7 ± 0.9 mm was calculated for the diameter of the left Achilles tendon, compared to 4.8 ± 0.9 mm for the right
Summary
To determine normal values for acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) shear wave elastography of the Achilles tendon. Elastography was originally developed with the aim of improving the characterisation of tumors, this technique is being used increasingly in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases. The Tendon can be affected by degenerative diseases like tendinopathies or rupture due to trauma. Musculoskeletal diseases, especially the ones affecting the Achilles tendon, have a mayor financial impact. Tendinopathies, together with partial or complete tendon tears, are the reasons for almost one in ten visits to the doctor and are responsible for half of all the sports injuries diagnosed [1]. Thickening, gaps and loss of echotexture in patients with tendinopathies can be recognised in direct comparison with healthy study populations [2]
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