Evaluation of Postoperative Changes in Patellar and Quadriceps Tendons after Total Knee Arthroplasty–A Comprehensive Analysis by Shear Wave Elastography, Power Doppler and B-mode Ultrasound

ConclusionAfter TKA, patellar, and quadriceps tendons show significant measurable alterations in B-US, PD-US, and SWE. Especially a significant decrease of tendon stiffness in operated knees, as assessed by SWE, might be a surrogate marker for changed mechanical properties. These alterations improve, the longer ago the surgery was. The quantitative information obtained by SWE could be of particular interest in follow-up and therapy monitoring after TKA. Knowledge about tendon stiffness and it's varieties in different population groups (e.g. athletes, elderly, postoperative patients) is crucial to sonographically rate a tendon as “healthy” or “diseased.”
Source: Academic Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: research