Shear-Wave Elastography of Patellar Ligament and Achilles Tendon in Semiprofessional Athletes: Comparing With Nonexercising Individuals.

Abstract

To compare semiprofessional athletes and nonexercising individuals in terms of p-SWE properties of the patellar ligament and the Achilles tendon. This case-control study was conducted in University of Health Sciences, Haseki Education and Research Hospital. A total of 58 individuals, with 29 in each group (according to power analysis), were included in the study. All relevant findings, including demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and exercise (km run per week, km/w) were recorded. The MyLab 9 (Esaote, Genova, Italy) device was used for SWE. The QElaXto-p-SWE software was utilized for P-SWE interpretation and analyses. The mean age was 47.21 ± 12.16 years (range 22-70). Weight (P =.001) and BMI (P <.001) values were significantly higher in the nonathlete group than in the athlete group. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age, gender, and height. Median SWE values of bilateral patellar ligaments (P <.001 and P <.001) and bilateral Achilles tendons (P <.001 and P <.001) were significantly higher in the athlete group than in the nonathlete group. We revealed normal p-SWE characteristics for the patellar ligament and Achilles tendon, which are frequently injured in athletes. These scores are important in early detection and follow-up of injuries in athletes.