Evaluation with sonoelastography of Achilles tendon damage

Purpose: Sonoelastography is a recently developed ultrasound (US) technique that allows in vivo assessment of tissue mechanical properties. Up to now, this technique has been mainly used to investigate prostatic tumours and breast masses. The aim of our paper is to evaluate if damaged Achilles tendons show abnormal mechanical properties by sonoelastography. Methods and materials: Twelve patients referred for unilateral Achilles tendon pain due to overuse associated with amateur sporting activities and 18 healthy controls were studied. US and sonoelastography were performed on 12 symptomatic tendons and 36 contro…