Ultrasound of the Achilles tendon with elastography

When is ultrasound of the Achilles tendon with elastography performed?

Ultrasound of the Achilles tendon with elastography is a simple, non-invasive imaging study that allows precise assessment of post-traumatic, inflammatory, overload and degenerative changes within this structure. This examination allows you to assess the condition of the Achilles tendon and select the appropriate treatment. 

Ultrasound with elastography - what does it mean? 

Ultrasound with elastography is a modern diagnostic method that makes it possible to assess the elasticity of the body's internal tissues during an ultrasound examination. This is because it is worth knowing that tissues altered by disease in many cases have a different cohesiveness (hardness, elasticity) than healthy tissues. Thus, ultrasound with elastography allows to obtain more data than classic ultrasonography, which proceeds without assessing the elasticity of tissues. 

Among other things, elastography helps detect inflammation of muscles and tendons, as well as overload changes - for this reason it is useful in the diagnosis of pathologies involving various structures, including the Achilles tendon. 

Course of ultrasound of the Achilles tendon with elastography

Modern ultrasound machines with elastography function are used to perform the examination. From the patient's perspective, ultrasound with elastography does not differ significantly from classic ultrasound. The doctor performing the examination applies the gel-coated head of the camera to the examined area, rhythmically compresses the examined area with it and evaluates the image appearing on the monitor. This is the so-called static method. 

The examination lasts several minutes or so and does not cause pain.

• Ultrasound of the Achilles tendon with elastography requires no preparation from the patient. 
• No referral for the examination is required. 
• The result of the examination is available immediately.