PMID: 25785091Mar 19, 2015Paper

Elasticity of healthy Achilles tendon decreases with the increase of age as determined by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Zhengmin RuanGuangrui Shao

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and its application in Achilles tendon elasticity of healthy volunteers. Bilateral Achilles tendons of 56 healthy individuals were included in the study. The subjects were divided into four age groups. Shear wave velocities (SWVs) of each tendon in the states of relaxation and tension were measured using ARFI technology. We selected the middle section of the Achilles tendon for ARFI measurement. Each Achilles tendon was examined by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Longitudinal images of each tendon were obtained by ultrasound and ARFI elastography. A quantitative assessment of the tissue stiffness was made with virtual touch tissue quantification. Significant differences in SWVs of Achilles tendon were found between any two age groups in the same status (P < 0.05) and between different status in subjects aged 25-35 years (P < 0.05) and 36-45 years (P < 0.05). SWV of Achilles tendon increased with increasing age in both states of relaxation and tension, which was consistent with the histological feature of ageing tendons. However, there were no significant differences between men and women within any group in the same status (P > 0.0...Continue Reading

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