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Biomechanical properties of the calcaneal tendon in vivo assessed by transient shear wave elastography

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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess the elastic and anisotropic properties of normal calcaneal tendon in vivo by transient shear wave elastography (SWE).

Materials and methods

This study was approved by our institutional ethics committee. Eighty healthy subjects over 18 years of age were prospectively included. Data on the patients’ height, weight, sporting activities, and take-off foot were assessed. The thickness, width, and cross-sectional area of the calcaneal tendons were measured. The shear wave propagation velocity (Vmean) was measured by three radiologists on axial and sagittal SWE images at four different degrees of ankle flexion, enabling to calculate elasticity modulus (Emean), and relative anisotropy coefficient (A) values.

Results

In complete plantar flexion, Vmean was 6.8 ± 1.4 m.s−1 and 5.1 ± 0.8 m.s−1, respectively, on the sagittal and axial SWE image, resulting in an elastographic anisotropy A of 0.24 ± 0.16. The best interobserver correlation coefficient of Emean and Vmean was 0.43 and 0.46, respectively, in the sagittal SWE for complete plantar flexion. Vmean and Emean significantly increase when the tendon is stretched by ankle dorsiflexion. The maximal values in sagittal SWE were Vmean = 16.1 ± 0.7 m.s−1, Emean = 779.5 ± 57.1kPa and A = 0.63 ± 0.07.

Conclusions

SWE allows the elastic properties of the calcaneal tendon to be evaluated quantitatively in vivo, but interobserver reproducibility is questionable. It confirms the tendinous elastographic anisotropy and stiffness augmentation of stretched tendon.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Frances Sheppard (Clinical Investigation Center of Besançon, Inserm CIT 808) for translating the manuscript into English, and Philippe Manzoni (University Hospital of Besançon) for technical support.

Conflict of interest declaration

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Besancon, Boulevard Fleming, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France

    Sébastien Aubry, Jean-Romain Risson, Benoit Barbier-Brion, Michel Runge & Bruno Kastler

  2. I4S Laboratory, INSERM EA4268, University of Franche-Comte, Franche-Comte, France

    Sébastien Aubry & Bruno Kastler

  3. Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    Adrian Kastler

  4. Clinical Investigation Center, INSERM CIT808, University Hospital of Besancon, Besancon, France

    Gaye Siliman

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  1. Sébastien Aubry
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Correspondence to Sébastien Aubry.

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Aubry, S., Risson, JR., Kastler, A. et al. Biomechanical properties of the calcaneal tendon in vivo assessed by transient shear wave elastography. Skeletal Radiol 42, 1143–1150 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-013-1649-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-013-1649-9

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