[Ultrasound imaging of the patellar tendon--an experimental study].
OBJECTIVE
The accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of histological changes is a point of discussion.


METHODS
In an experimental study we examined on 58 explanted human patellar tendons the correlation between histological and sonographic changes.


RESULTS
Ultrasonographic measurements of length, width, thickness and circumference of the ligaments correlated highly to the explants' macroscopic evaluated dimensions. The sonographic lesions were distinguished in changes in form and echogenicity. Macroscopic visible changes in the explanted ligaments could be detected ultrasonographically. In histological aspect 2 tendons and in ultrasonographical aspect 16 tendons were found to be normal in the whole course of the tendons. 14 ligaments showed histological but not ultrasonographical abnormalities. 42 ligaments were conspicuous in both methods of examination. In the course of the tendons a very high correlation (up to 92%) between sonographical and histological findings was detected. At the insertion are of the patellar ligament the correlation was low.


CONCLUSIONS
The performed study shows that ultrasonographically detected lesions of the patellar ligament point to histological changes but no conclusions to the kind of histological changes can be taken. However ultrasonographically found abnormalities correlate in a high proportion to histologically detectable changes in the ligaments. Ultrasonography is a good method to evaluate degenerative symptoms in the patellar ligament.
Sell
S
S
Orthopädische Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik Tübingen.
Esenwein
S
S
Gaissmaier
C
C
Moosmaier
J
J
Küsswetter
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010329:Patella / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012016:Reference Values; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography