Ultrasound Elastography For Musculoskeletal Applications

Ultrasound elastography (EUS) is a method to assess the mechanical properties of tissue, by applying stress and detecting tissue displacement using ultrasound. There are several EUS techniques used in clinical practice; strain (compression) EUS is the most common technique that allows real-time visualisation of the tissue. The importance of EUS in evaluation of musculoskeletal system is increasing since it helps out early diagnosis of diseases and guide the theraphy. This review includes the various EUS techniques available for clinical use, presents the published reports on musculoskeletal applications of EUS and discusses the technical limitations and future perspectives of this method in the assessment of the musculoskeletal system.