Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
08:11
Ultrasound Tissue Characterization of Human Achilles Tendon by Stability Quantification of Echo Patterns
Published on: September 5, 2025
535
A Reliable Method for Quantification of Tendon Structure Using B-Mode Ultrasound
Todd J Hullfish1, Josh R Baxter1
1Human Motion Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Summary
Quantitative B-mode ultrasound reliably measures Achilles tendon structure. This image-processing technique offers a dependable method for assessing tendon health, improving upon subjective scoring systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Tendon structure is a key indicator of tendon health.
- Current methods for assessing tendon structure rely on qualitative scores, which lack strong reliability.
- There is a need for objective and reliable methods to quantify tendon structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the reliability of an image-processing technique for quantifying tendon collagen structure.
- To assess the reliability of using B-mode ultrasound for tendon structure analysis.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal B-mode ultrasound images of the Achilles tendon were acquired from 12 healthy young adults.
- Intra- and inter-rater reliability were evaluated across multiple image selections and days.
- Quantitative analysis of tendon collagen structure was performed using an image-processing technique.
Main Results:
- The image-processing technique demonstrated strong intra- and inter-rater reliability.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients were high (r ≥ 0.71) for all assessed comparisons.
- Quantitative assessment of Achilles tendon structure using B-mode ultrasound proved to be reliable.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative assessment of tendon structure using B-mode ultrasound is reliable.
- This image-processing technique provides a dependable tool for evaluating tendon health.
- The findings support the use of quantitative ultrasound for objective tendon assessment.
Keywords:
basic science (tissue characterization)collagenorganizationquantitativereliabilitysports medicine/orthopedicstendon structureMore Related Videos
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