The application of shear wave elastography with ultrasound for rotator cuff tears: a systematic review
Ishith Seth, Lisa Hackett, Gabriella Bulloch, Aditya Sathe, Stephen Alphonse, G. Murrell
Abstract
Background: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging ultrasound-based technology that provides a quantitative assessment of musculoskeletal tissue integrity. This systematic review investigates the use of SWE in the evaluation of rotator cuff tears. Methods: value < .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: < .05). Conclusion: SWE ultrasound of the supraspinatus tendon can be a useful diagnostic tool for orthopedic surgeons that provide quantitative information on tendinopathic stiffness, velocity, fatty infiltrate, and elasticity characteristics. Decreased tendon velocity of SWE may predict recurrent rotator cuff tears and be useful in postoperative evaluations for muscle healing to plan for future management.