Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of high⁃frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injury and predict the recovery process of Achilles tendon by using share wave elastography（SWE）. Methods A total of 54 patients with suspected Achilles tendon injury were examined by high ⁃frequency ultrasonography and SWE. Forty patients with postoperative Achilles tendon injury were examined by high ⁃frequency ultrasonography and SWE at months 1 ，3 and 6 postoperatively. The thickness，echo，blood flow and shear wave velocity（SWV）of the affected Achilles tendons were observed and compared with those of the healthy Achilles tendon. Results For all the 54 patients，the sensitivity，specificity and accuracy rates of high⁃ frequency ultrasonography were 97.6%（40/41），76.9%（10/13）and 92.6%（50/54），respectively. After surgery， the thickness of the Achilles tendons decreased with time，the internal echo was gradually uniform，and the blood flow and adhesion decreased，which was consistent with the clinical symptoms. The shear wave velocity increased with time. Conclusion High⁃frequency ultrasound and shear wave velocity can determine the type and degree of Achilles tendon injury，and contribute to its diagnosis and rehabilitation prediction as well.

Key words:

achilles tendon injury, high frequency ultrasound, shear wave velocity, rehabilitation