Correlation of Tendon Degeneration and Quantitative Ultrasound Measurements

Ultrasound has become a common modality for detecting rotator cuff tears and recently, quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters have shown to be a reliable technique in quantifying tendon quality. However, specific degenerative factors that can affect tendon quality such as by collagen fiber organization, tenocyte nuclei shape, tenocyte cell number, and lipoid degeneration are only detectable through histology. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the relationships between QUS parameters of tendon quality and actual degeneration in tendons as quantified by histology.  

This study provides information about how clinicians can use ultrasound as a diagnostic tool to non-invasively evaluate tendon degeneration in order to provide clinicians further insight on the degeneration of rotator cuff tendons and ultimately improve rotator cuff repair surgery.