Current status of musculoskeletal application of shear wave elastography

• Published in: Ultrasonography Vol. 36; no. 3; pp. 185 - 197
• Main Authors: Ryu, JeongAh, Jeong, Woo Kyoung
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society of Ultrasound in Medicine 01.07.2017; 대한초음파의학회
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Elasticity; Elasticity imaging techniques; FDA approval; Magnetic resonance imaging; Muscles; Musculoskeletal system; Propagation; Radiation; Review; Tendinopathy; Tendons; Ultrasonography; Velocity; Viscoelasticity; 방사선과학; United States > US; Elasticity; Muscles; Tendinopathy; Elasticity imaging techniques; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 2288-5919; 2288-5943
• DOI: 10.14366/usg.16053

Ultrasonography (US) is a very powerful diagnostic modality for the musculoskeletal system due to the ability to perform real-time dynamic high-resolution examinations with the Doppler technique. In addition to acquiring morphologic data, we can now obtain biomechanical information by quantifying the elasticity of the musculoskeletal structures with US elastography. The earlier diagnosis of degeneration and the ability to perform follow-up evaluations of healing and the effects of treatment are possible. US elastography enables a transition from US-based inspection to US-based palpation in order to diagnose the characteristics of tissue. Shear wave elastography is considered the most suitable type of US elastography for the musculoskeletal system. It is widely used for tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It is important to understand practice guidelines in order to enhance reproducibility. Incorporating viscoelasticity and overcoming inconsistencies among manufacturers are future tasks for improving the capabilities of US elastography.