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Magnetic Resonance Elastography Methodology for the Evaluation of Tissue Engineered Construct Growth
Published on: February 9, 2012
Office-based elastographic technique for quantifying mechanical properties of skeletal muscle
Jeffrey J Ballyns1, Diego Turo, Paul Otto
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, USA.
Summary
This study introduces an accessible ultrasound elastography method for quantifying muscle viscoelasticity. It effectively identifies increased tissue heterogeneity in myofascial trigger points associated with neck pain.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Rheology
Background:
- Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is often linked to myofascial trigger points (MTPs).
- Accurate characterization of MTPs requires quantitative assessment of muscle viscoelastic properties.
- Current methods for ultrasound elastography can be complex and less accessible in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an efficient, easy-to-administer ultrasound elastography technique.
- To quantitatively assess the viscoelastic properties of skeletal muscle.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of this method in identifying MTPs associated with MPS.
Main Methods:
- External vibration of muscle at 60–200 Hz using a handheld vibrator.
- Calculation of shear wave speed from the spatial gradient of vibration phase.
- Validation using an experimental phantom, healthy biceps brachii, and trapezius muscles in patients with neck pain and controls.
Main Results:
- Quantitative shear modulus measurements with <20% error using an experimental phantom.
- Mean shear modulus in normal biceps brachii measured at 12.5 ± 3.4 kPa.
- Significantly higher shear wave speeds in active MTPs and surrounding tissue compared to normal tissue at high frequencies (>100 Hz).
Conclusions:
- Office-based equipment can quantitatively characterize skeletal muscle viscoelasticity.
- This method provides estimates comparable to more sophisticated techniques.
- Preliminary findings suggest increased tissue heterogeneity at MTP sites in patients with neck pain.
