Crevier-Denoix N, Ruel Y, Dardillat C, Jerbi H, Sanaa M, Collobert-Laugier C, Ribot X, Denoix J-M, Pourcelot P
UMR INRA-ENVA Biomécanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 Av. du Général de Gaulle, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
J Biomech. 2005 Nov;38(11):2212-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.09.026. Epub 2004 Nov 21.
The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that tendon echogenicity is associated with the material properties of the corresponding tendon site, especially in case of lesions, due to local changes in tendon matrix composition. Four normal and nine spontaneously injured equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT) were isolated then ultrasonographically examined under tension, in a special device placed in a water bath. Ultrasonographic transversal images (7.5MHz linear transducer) of five segments along each tendon were digitized, and analyzed in order to measure the mean cross-sectional area (MCSA) and mean echogenicity (ME) of each segment. The tendons were then tested in traction until rupture in a testing machine. For each segment, stress and strain were determined throughout the test, and the elastic modulus (EM) was evaluated. The tendon lesions were also documented by histology. No correlation was found between ME and the material properties of normal tendon segments. At the rupture sites of the nine diseased tendons, ME was positively correlated with maximal stress and EM, whereas no correlation was demonstrated with maximal strain. Besides, a positive correlation was demonstrated between ME and both MCSA and EM, when the three metacarpal segments of the diseased tendons were considered. Although ME gives only rough information about tendon matrix structure, it does show, under these in vitro conditions, significant correlations with material properties of pathological tendon segments, which may improve the functional significance and therefore the prognostic value of the ultrasonographic examination of tendon lesions.
由于肌腱基质成分的局部变化，肌腱回声性与相应肌腱部位的材料特性相关，尤其是在病变情况下。分离出4条正常和9条自发损伤的马浅屈肌腱（SDFT），然后在置于水浴中的特殊装置中，在张力下进行超声检查。沿着每条肌腱的五个节段的超声横向图像（7.5MHz线性换能器）被数字化，并进行分析以测量每个节段的平均横截面积（MCSA）和平均回声性（ME）。然后在试验机中对肌腱进行拉伸测试直至断裂。对于每个节段，在整个测试过程中确定应力和应变，并评估弹性模量（EM）。肌腱损伤也通过组织学记录。在正常肌腱节段的ME与材料特性之间未发现相关性。在9条患病肌腱的断裂部位，ME与最大应力和EM呈正相关，而与最大应变无相关性。此外，当考虑患病肌腱的三个掌骨节段时，ME与MCSA和EM均呈正相关。尽管ME仅提供有关肌腱基质结构的粗略信息，但在这些体外条件下，它确实显示出与病理性肌腱节段的材料特性有显著相关性，这可能会提高超声检查肌腱损伤的功能意义以及预后价值。
