Shear Wave Elastography in Musculoskeletal Imaging: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Biomechanical Analysis
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an advanced ultrasound technique providing quantitative tissue stiffness data.
• Conventional ultrasound methods primarily assess morphology and vascularity, lacking functional insights.
• SWE offers potential for evaluating diverse musculoskeletal tissues, including tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles, technical aspects, and clinical uses of SWE in musculoskeletal imaging.
• To summarize current applications, limitations, and future directions for SWE.
• To highlight the need for standardization and validation in SWE research and practice.

Main Methods:

• This narrative review synthesizes existing literature on SWE in musculoskeletal imaging.
• Key areas covered include basic principles, technical considerations, and clinical applications.
• Limitations and future research perspectives are also discussed.

Main Results:

• SWE provides functional information on tissue biomechanics beyond conventional ultrasound.
• Potential applications include early detection of alterations, severity assessment, and treatment monitoring.
• Musculoskeletal tissue properties (anisotropy, viscoelasticity) and acquisition factors influence SWE measurements.

Conclusions:

• SWE shows promise for enhancing musculoskeletal imaging and rehabilitation.
• Standardized protocols, normative data, and inter-vendor harmonization are essential for clinical adoption.
• SWE findings should be integrated with clinical data, not used as standalone diagnostic criteria.