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Motion-based tendon diagnosis using sequence processing of ultrasound images
Nir Ofer1, Solange Akselrod, Meir Nyska
1Abramson Center for Medical Physics, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Summary
A new ultrasound technique detects tendon degeneration by analyzing motion asymmetry. This objective, non-invasive method shows promise for early diagnosis of Achilles tendon issues in athletes and identifying at-risk tendons.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Tendon ruptures, particularly Achilles tendon ruptures, are common in athletes and often linked to degenerative processes.
- Current non-invasive diagnostic methods rely on subjective analysis of static tendon images, often failing to detect degeneration early.
- Early diagnosis of tendon degeneration is crucial for preventing spontaneous ruptures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an objective, non-invasive method for diagnosing degenerative tendon processes.
- To assess the potential of dynamic ultrasound imaging and motion analysis for detecting tendon degeneration.
- To investigate the relationship between tendon motion asymmetry and degenerative or pre-degenerative tendon conditions.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a dynamic ultrasound imaging tool combined with image processing techniques to track in vivo tendon motion.
- Developed an automatic test to quantify tendon motion asymmetry, defining a 'negative asymmetry' score.
- Tested subjects with degenerative Achilles tendon rupture, traumatic rupture, and healthy controls, analyzing motion in both affected and contralateral tendons.
Main Results:
- Post-operative tendons from degenerative ruptures showed significantly higher negative asymmetry scores (18.0 +/- 9.0) compared to their contralateral healthy tendons (3.9 +/- 4.6).
- The single subject with traumatic rupture exhibited no significant asymmetry (0.0).
- Healthy tendons contralateral to degenerative ruptures had higher asymmetry (3.9 +/- 4.6) than healthy tendons in controls (1.5 +/- 1.8), suggesting increased risk.
Conclusions:
- Negative asymmetry in tendon motion is a potential indicator of degenerative or pre-degenerative tendon processes.
- The developed method is objective, low-cost, non-invasive, and potentially more sensitive than existing diagnostic techniques.
- Tendons contralateral to spontaneous ruptures may be at higher risk for developing degenerative changes.