title: [Transient elastography of calcaneal tendon: preliminary results and future prospects].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate transient ShearWave elastography of the normal Achilles' tendon.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Achilles' tendon of 30 normal subjects were prospectively assessed using a Rubi V1Sq prototype (Supersonic Imagine). Quantitative elastography maps displayed in kilopascals with a scale of 0 to 600kPa were generated from transverse and longitudinal images at 3 different levels of plantar flexion. Subgroups were compared and analyzed based on proven or suspected variation factors (age, gender, level of physical activity).
  
  
  RESULTS
  On sagittal images, mean elasticity was 104±46kPa during extension, 464±144kPa in neutral position and 410±196kPa during maximum dorsiflexion. There was significant increase in elasticity when the Achilles' tendon was maximally stretched (p<0.01). The intra-individual correlation between right and left tendons during ankle extension was good (Pearson Coefficient 0.8; p<0.01). Finally, physically active subjects showed significantly greater elasticity than non-active subjects (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transient ShearWave elastography of the Achilles' tendon is a simple technique that provides real-time information about tissue elasticity.
authors.affiliation: Service de radiologie A, CHU Jean Minjoz, boulevard Fleming, Besançon, France. radio.aubry@free.fr
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aubry
authors.forename: J-R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Risson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barbier-Brion
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tatu
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vidal
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kastler
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000328:Adult; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies