Evaluation of patellar tendon elasticity in adults by shear vawe elastography according to decates

The purpose of our study is to examine normal patellar tendon with shear wave elastography and determine if tendon elasticity changes with age. In this study, 135 healthy volunteers were included as 74 females and 61 males. Cases were categorized according to the decades, as ages 20-29 (Group 1), ages 30-39 (Group 2), ages 40-49 (Group 3), ages 50-59 (Group 4) and ages 60-69 (Group 5). With Siemens Acuson-S2000 US device, by using 9L4 (4-9 MHz) linear probe, the length of the patellar tendon and its thickness at the top, middle and bottom parts were measured. With Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ/ARFI) method, the elastography of the top, middle and bottom parts were made and the results were compared with each other. The radiological parameters of the cases were also compared with their BMI values. The patellar tendon length, thickness and SWV values were found higher among men when compared to women in all age groups (p = 0,001). As the age group increases, a statistically significant decrease in the shear wave speed was found (p = 0,001). A weak negative correlation was found between BMI and SWV. According to the results of our study, the patellar tendon rigidity shows a statistically significant decrease with age. Carrying out further studies about this subject would lead to more specific information. As a result, ultrasound elastography for patellar tendon assessment supports US and it is a reliable method.