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Comparison of shear wave velocity measurements assessed with two different ultrasound systems in an ex-vivo tendon strain phantom

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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare the reliability of SW velocity measurements of two different ultrasound systems and their correlation with the tangent traction modulus in a non-static tendon strain model.

Materials and Methods

A bovine tendon was fixed in a custom-made stretching device. Force was applied increasing from 0 up to 18 Newton. During each strain state the tangent traction modulus was determined by the stretcher device, and SW velocity (m/s) measurements using a Siemens S3000 and a Supersonic Aixplorer US machine were done for shear modulus (kPa) calculation.

Results

A strong significant positive correlation was found between SW velocity assessed by the two ultrasound systems and the tangent traction modulus (r = 0.827–0.954, p < 0.001), yet all SW velocity-based calculations underestimated the reference tissue tangent modulus. Mean difference of SW velocities with the S3000 was 0.44 ± 0.3 m/s (p = 0.002) and with the Aixplorer 0.25 ± 0.3 m/s (p = 0.034). Mean difference of SW velocity between the two US-systems was 0.37 ± 0.3 m/s (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

In conclusion, SW velocities are highly dependent on mechanical forces in the tendon tissue, but for controlled mechanical loads appear to yield reproducible and comparable measurements using different US systems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology, Orthopedic University Hospital Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland

    Andrea B. Rosskopf, Christian W. A. Pfirrmann & Florian M. Buck

  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Andrea B. Rosskopf, Christian W. A. Pfirrmann & Florian M. Buck

  3. Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomechanics, Orthopedic University Hospital Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland

    Elias Bachmann & Jess G. Snedeker

  4. Institute for Biomechanics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ), Lengghalde 5, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland

    Jess G. Snedeker

Authors
  1. Andrea B. Rosskopf
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  2. Elias Bachmann
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  3. Jess G. Snedeker
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  4. Christian W. A. Pfirrmann
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Correspondence to Andrea B. Rosskopf.

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Rosskopf, A.B., Bachmann, E., Snedeker, J.G. et al. Comparison of shear wave velocity measurements assessed with two different ultrasound systems in an ex-vivo tendon strain phantom. Skeletal Radiol 45, 1541–1551 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-016-2470-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-016-2470-z

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