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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2577-1449
Review Article

Elastography and Applications in the Musculoskeletal System in Veterinary Medicine: From Physical Basis to Image Formation

Wanessa Patrícia Rodrigues da Silva 
1   Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia – Nova Veneza, Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil
,
Rafaela Rodrigues Ribeiro 
2   Escola de Ciências Médicas e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Câmpus II, Av. Engler, s/n – Jardim Mariliza, Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil
,
Iago Martins Oliveira 
1   Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia – Nova Veneza, Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil
2   Escola de Ciências Médicas e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás, Câmpus II, Av. Engler, s/n – Jardim Mariliza, Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil
,
Naida Cristina Borges 
3   Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rodovia Goiânia – Nova Veneza, Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil
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Abstract

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a versatile imaging technique, surpassing conventional radiographic examinations in detecting certain alterations in the musculoskeletal system and showing effectiveness comparable to magnetic resonance imaging in assessing articular and periarticular soft tissues. The objective of this review is to discuss the physical principles of ultrasound elastography and its applications in the musculoskeletal system of veterinary medicine. This bibliographic review compiles relevant studies exploring elastography's physical basis, its technological development, and its clinical applications in veterinary contexts. Elastography complements B-mode ultrasound by assessing tissue stiffness, offering unique diagnostic insights beyond acoustic impedance and flow properties. Studies have demonstrated the potential of elastography in evaluating tendon injuries, muscle disorders, and bone healing, with promising results in dogs, horses and experimental models like sheep. Techniques such as compression elastography and shear wave elastography provide qualitative and quantitative data, enhancing the assessment of pathological changes. Shear wave elastography enables precise measurements of tissue elasticity, aiding the diagnosis, monitoring of healing and evaluation of therapeutic interventions. Despite technical challenges, elastography is a valuable tool that can optimize musculoskeletal diagnostics and treatment planning. Its expanding use in veterinary medicine underscores its clinical relevance and potential for widespread adoption as a complementary imaging modality.

Keywords

diagnosis - strain elastography - tissue stiffness - ultrasound

Authors' Contribution

Conceptualization: I.M.O., N.C.B., R.R.R., W.P.R.S. Methodology: I.M.O. and W.P.R.S. Formal analysis: N.C.B. Data curation: I.M.O. and W.P.R.S. Drafted the manuscript: N.C.B. Revised the manuscript: I.M.O. and N.C.B. Translated the manuscript: I.M.O. and N.C.B. All the authors have read and agreed with the published version of the manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 26 January 2025

Accepted: 07 April 2025

Article published online:
03 May 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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