Assessing the Efficacy of the Treatment of Tendinopathy With Shear Wave Elastography
Emory University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to utilize Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) to study the viscoelastic properties of tendons to understand the functional differences between normal/asymptomatic and symptomatic tendon states. The study will also assess the degree of tendon healing following standard of care treatment.
Description
Tendinopathy is a common affliction in athletes, recreational exercisers, the general population and even inactive people. Tendon pathology presenting clinically is most commonly seen in the chronic state related to tendon degeneration manifested as intra-tendinous mucoid degeneration and chondroid metaplasia, which in many cases is accompanied by superimposed small intrasubstance/interstitial tears. Then a vicious cycle of attempted inadequate healing with superimposed acute pathology ensues leading to significant pain and discomfort over time significantly limiting physical activity. The exa…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria for Asymptomatic Volunteers: * Patients presenting at the study location with lower extremity pain without tendon involvement Inclusion Criteria for Symptomatic Volunteers: * Patients presenting at the study location with a clinical diagnosis of tenalgia * Diagnosis of tendinopathy confirmed by ultrasound Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * History of tendinopathy or surgery and morphologic abnormalities * History of systemic, metabolic, endocrine diseases, or psoriasis * History of treatment with corticosteroids, estrogens, long term quinolone antibiotics, and cholestero…
Interventions
- DeviceShear Wave Elastography
An ultrasound (US) technique, known as shear wave elastography (SWE), is used to examine structure and biomechanical function. The examination takes place in the ultrasound room at the study site and lasts for approximately 20 minutes.
Location
- Emory Orthopaedics and Spine CenterAtlanta, Georgia