title: Diffraction-enhanced imaging for Achilles tendon lesions: a preliminary study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging are useful in the diagnosis of tears of the Achilles tendon, but none are capable of detecting early or small tears. Herein, we applied diffraction-enhanced imaging, a radiographic technique that detects x-ray attenuation and x-ray refraction, to the imaging of compromised Achilles tendons.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diffraction-enhanced imaging was used to detect incomplete surgically induced tears of the Achilles tendon in nine cadaveric human feet and ankles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete and significant partial tears were detectable in diffraction-enhanced images as x-ray refraction changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although still in the experimental stages, diffraction-enhanced imaging may eventually prove useful for the diagnosis of Achilles tendon tears.
authors.affiliation: Biochemistry, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. carol_muehleman@rush.edu
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Muehleman
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schiff
authors.forename: Zhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhong
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries*; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction