Measurement of Stiffness of Supraspinatus Tendon Using Ultrasound Elastography

Abstract

The supraspinatus tendon (SSPT) is a tendon connected the supraspinatus muscle to the greater tuberosity of the glenohumeral joint and acts during shoulder abduction. The SSPT is known to be the most frequently injured tendon in the rotator cuff, and repetitive movements and age-related muscle weakness are the most common causes of injury. The mechanical properties of the SSPT are important not only for the diagnosis of damaged tendons, but also for the evaluation after rotator cuff repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of the SSPT in vivo by shoulder abduction and muscle contraction using ultrasound elastography. This study showed that the stiffness of each part of the SSPT decreased as the shoulder abduction angle increased.