Abstract:

Ultrasonic elastography (UE) is the last step of the high rate of development in ultrasound technology. The UE is a new method that can directly evaluate the mechanical properties of the tissue including muscle stiffness. The use of B-mode ultrasound (brightness mode) and Doppler ultrasound have been used as part of routine examination in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Real-time and direct muscle strength measurements allow the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pathologies such as acute musculoskeletal injuries and chronic myofascial pain. In this review, different UE techniques will be discussed to examine muscle stiffness, including tension (compression) elastography, acoustic radiation force impulse imaging, and shear wave (shear) elastography. It is aimed at compiling researches that can be a guide to physiatrists and to lead the new steps that can be taken in the future.

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