A finite-element approach for Young's modulus reconstruction.

Modulus imaging has great potential in soft-tissue characterization since it reveals intrinsic mechanical properties. A novel Young's modulus reconstruction algorithm that is based on finite-element analysis is reported here. This new method overcomes some limitations in other Young's modulus reconstruction methods. Specifically, it relaxes the force boundary condition requirements so that only the force distribution at the compression surface is necessary, thus making the new method more practical. The validity of the new method is demonstrated and the performance of the algorithm with noise in the input data is tested using numerical simulations. Details of how to apply this method under clinical conditions is also discussed.