title: A finite-element approach for Young's modulus reconstruction.
abstract: Modulus imaging has great potential in soft-tissue characterization since it reveals intrinsic mechanical properties. A novel Young's modulus reconstruction algorithm that is based on finite-element analysis is reported here. This new method overcomes some limitations in other Young's modulus reconstruction methods. Specifically, it relaxes the force boundary condition requirements so that only the force distribution at the compression surface is necessary, thus making the new method more practical. The validity of the new method is demonstrated and the performance of the algorithm with noise in the input data is tested using numerical simulations. Details of how to apply this method under clinical conditions is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160-7234, USA. yzhu@kumc.edu
authors.forename: Yanning
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Jingfeng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jiang
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009038:Motion; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*