Correlations between mean echogenicity and material properties of normal and diseased equine superficial digital flexor tendons: an in vitro segmental approach.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that tendon echogenicity is associated with the material properties of the corresponding tendon site, especially in case of lesions, due to local changes in tendon matrix composition. Four normal and nine spontaneously injured equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) were isolated then ultrasonographically examined under tension, in a special device placed in a water bath. Ultrasonographic transversal images (7.5MHz linear transducer) of five segments along each tendon were digitized, and analyzed in order to measure the mean cross-sectional area (MCSA) and mean echogenicity (ME) of each segment. The tendons were then tested in traction until rupture in a testing machine. For each segment, stress and strain were determined throughout the test, and the elastic modulus (EM) was evaluated. The tendon lesions were also documented by histology. No correlation was found between ME and the material properties of normal tendon segments. At the rupture sites of the nine diseased tendons, ME was positively correlated with maximal stress and EM, whereas no correlation was demonstrated with maximal strain. Besides, a positive correlation was demonstrated between ME and both MCSA and EM, when the three metacarpal segments of the diseased tendons were considered. Although ME gives only rough information about tendon matrix structure, it does show, under these in vitro conditions, significant correlations with material properties of pathological tendon segments, which may improve the functional significance and therefore the prognostic value of the ultrasonographic examination of tendon lesions.
Publication Date: 2004-11-21 PubMed ID: 16154408DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.09.026Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study revolves around the hypothesis that tendon echogenicity, or the ability to reflect ultrasound waves, can give valuable insight into the material properties of horse tendons, particularly when there are tendon lesions present. Through detailed analysis of normal and injured tendons, the study explores the relationship between echogenicity and other properties to understand if ultrasound could provide prognostic value in diagnosing tendon issues.
Methods
- The study made use of four normal and nine injured equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT). These tendons were put under tension and examined using ultrasonography in a specially designed setup.
- Five segments along each tendon were studied, using the images obtained from a 7.5MHz linear transducer. These images were used to generate data on the mean cross-sectional area (MCSA) and mean echogenicity (ME) of each tendon segment.
- To observe how these tendon segments behaved under pressure, they were subject to a traction test until rupture occurred. This allowed the researchers to study stress, strain and the elastic modulus (EM).
- For pathological examination of the tendon lesions, histology was performed.
Findings
- The results did not show any significant correlation between the mean echogenicity and the material properties of the normal, unaffected tendon segments.
- However, in the injured tendons, the echogenicity demonstrated a positive correlation with measures of stress and the EM at the rupture sites. No significant correlation was found with strain measures.
- When considering the lower half of the tendon, known as the metacarpal segments, a positive correlation was observed between ME and both the cross-sectional area and the elastic modulus.
Conclusion
- Although mean echogenicity is a rough measure of the tendon matrix structure, it still shows significant correlations with certain material properties in the diseased tendon segments under in vitro, or laboratory, conditions.
- This implies that ultrasonographic measurements of tendons, specifically looking at the echogenicity, can potentially be used to improve predictions and prognosis concerning tendon injuries in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Crevier-Denoix N, Ruel Y, Dardillat C, Jerbi H, Sanaa M, Collobert-Laugier C, Ribot X, Denoix JM, Pourcelot P.
(2004).
Correlations between mean echogenicity and material properties of normal and diseased equine superficial digital flexor tendons: an in vitro segmental approach.
J Biomech, 38(11), 2212-2220.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.09.026 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- UMR INRA-ENVA Biomécanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 Av. du Général de Gaulle, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses
- In Vitro Techniques
- Tendon Injuries / diagnostic imaging
- Tendon Injuries / physiopathology
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
- Tendons / diagnostic imaging
- Tendons / physiology
- Tendons / physiopathology
- Tensile Strength
- Ultrasonography
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Wagner FC, Reese S, Gerlach K, Böttcher P, Mülling CKW. Cyclic tensile tests of Shetland pony superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) with an optimized cryo-clamp combined with biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy.. BMC Vet Res 2021 Jun 25;17(1):223.
- Wagner FC, Gerlach K, Geiger SM, Gittel C, Böttcher P, Mülling CKW. Biplanar High-Speed Fluoroscopy of Pony Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT)-An In Vivo Pilot Study.. Vet Sci 2021 May 27;8(6).
- Titan AL, Fahy E, Chen K, Foster DS, Bennett-Kennett R, Dauskardt RH, Gurtner GC, Chang J, Fox PM, Longaker MT. Proceed with Caution: Mouse Deep Digit Flexor Tendon Injury Model.. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2021 Jan;9(1):e3359.
- Langlais T, Desprairies P, Pietton R, Rohan PY, Dubousset J, Meakin JR, Winlove PC, Vialle R, Skalli W, Vergari C. Microstructural characterization of annulus fibrosus by ultrasonography: a feasibility study with an in vivo and in vitro approach.. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019 Dec;18(6):1979-1986.
- Lee SY, Chieh HF, Lin CJ, Jou IM, Sun YN, Kuo LC, Wu PT, Su FC. Characteristics of Sonography in a Rat Achilles Tendinopathy Model: Possible Non-invasive Predictors of Biomechanics.. Sci Rep 2017 Jul 11;7(1):5100.
- Jacobson E, Dart AJ, Mondori T, Horadogoda N, Jeffcott LB, Little CB, Smith MM. Focal experimental injury leads to widespread gene expression and histologic changes in equine flexor tendons.. PLoS One 2015;10(4):e0122220.
- Frisch KE, Marcu D, Baer GS, Thelen DG, Vanderby R. Influence of tendon tears on ultrasound echo intensity in response to loading.. J Biomech 2014 Dec 18;47(16):3813-9.
- Suydam SM, Buchanan TS. Is echogenicity a viable metric for evaluating tendon properties in vivo?. J Biomech 2014 Jun 3;47(8):1806-9.
- Ellison M, Kobayashi H, Delaney F, Danielson K, Vanderby R Jr, Muir P, Forrest LJ. Feasibility and repeatability for in vivo measurements of stiffness gradients in the canine gastrocnemius tendon using an acoustoelastic strain gauge.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2013 Sep-Oct;54(5):548-54.
- Duenwald S, Kobayashi H, Frisch K, Lakes R, Vanderby R Jr. Ultrasound echo is related to stress and strain in tendon.. J Biomech 2011 Feb 3;44(3):424-9.
- Warden SJ. Animal models for the study of tendinopathy.. Br J Sports Med 2007 Apr;41(4):232-40.
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