Tendon and ligament imaging

Br J Radiol. 2012 Aug;85(1016):1157-72. doi: 10.1259/bjr/34786470. Epub 2012 May 2.

Abstract

MRI and ultrasound are now widely used for the assessment of tendon and ligament abnormalities. Healthy tendons and ligaments contain high levels of collagen with a structured orientation, which gives rise to their characteristic normal imaging appearances as well as causing particular imaging artefacts. Changes to ligaments and tendons as a result of disease and injury can be demonstrated using both ultrasound and MRI. These have been validated against surgical and histological findings. Novel imaging techniques are being developed that may improve the ability of MRI and ultrasound to assess tendon and ligament disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Ligaments / anatomy & histology*
  • Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments / injuries
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tendinopathy / diagnosis
  • Tendon Injuries / diagnosis
  • Tendons / anatomy & histology*
  • Tendons / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography