SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELASTOGRAPHY IMAGING

摘要

Methods for obtaining information about the mechanical behaviour of structures associated with mammalian joints and tendons are provided. Embodiments of such methods include creating deformation in a joint structure (such as ligaments and articular cartilage) or tendon of interest, using an ultrasound scanner and a single element or array of elements to acquire sequences of ultrasound data of the joint structure or tendon, estimating one, two or three components of the resulting displacement and strain between a reference frame of ultrasound data and successive frames of ultrasound data, and using a cross-correlation algorithm to estimate the displacement and strain components. This information may be used to inform the design of tissue grafts. Tissue grafts produced using this information are also provided. The same method can be used in situ together with noninvasive or invasive procedures.