Reproducibility and feasibility of acoustoelastography in the superficial digital flexor tendons of clinically normal horses

Michelle E. Ellison Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705.

Search for other papers by Michelle E. Ellison in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VMD
,
Sarah Duenwald-Kuehl Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705.

Search for other papers by Sarah Duenwald-Kuehl in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD
,
Lisa J. Forrest Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705.

Search for other papers by Lisa J. Forrest in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VMD
,
Ray Vanderby Jr Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705.

Search for other papers by Ray Vanderby Jr in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD
, and
Sabrina H. Brounts Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705.

Search for other papers by Sabrina H. Brounts in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, MS
Restricted access
Purchase Article

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the feasibility and repeatability of in vivo measurement of stiffness gradients by means of acoustoelastography in the superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) of clinically normal horses.

Animals—15 clinically normal horses.

Procedures—For each horse, stiffness gradient index and dispersion values for SDFTs in both forelimbs were evaluated in longitudinal orientation by use of acoustoelastography at 3 sites (5, 10, and 15 cm distal to the accessory carpal bone) by 2 observers; for each observer, data were acquired twice per site. The left forelimb was always scanned before the right forelimb. Lifting of the contralateral forelimb with the carpus flexed during image acquisition resulted in the required SDFT deformation in the evaluated limb. Interobserver repeatability, intraobserver repeatability, and right-to-left limb symmetry for stiffness gradient index and dispersion values were evaluated.

Results—Stiffness gradient index and dispersion values for SDFTs at different locations as well as effects of age or sex did not differ significantly among the 15 horses. Interclass correlation coefficients for interobserver repeatability, intraobserver repeatability, and limb symmetry revealed good to excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients, > 0.74).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that acoustoelastography is a feasible and repeatable technique for measuring stiffness gradients in SDFTs in clinically normal horses, and could potentially be used to compare healthy and diseased tendon states.

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 81 0 0
Full Text Views 2590 1831 129
PDF Downloads 236 100 2
Advertisement