Imaging of the musculoskeletal system
New imaging techniques for the musculoskeletal system
Introduction
In a number of projects, we are working on the development of new or improved techniques for the imaging of the musculoskeletal system. At the present, we are working on the use of ultrasound the study the dynamics (movement and stiffness) of tendons. In addition, we are developing MRI protocols to detect early problems in the recovery after tendon injuries, such as reruptures or adhesion formation. Finally, we are involved in a project to study degenerative chanches in the CMC1 joint in patients with osteoarthritis using 3T MRI imaging.
Project:
MRI imaging of tendon properties of the hand
Quantification of tendon dynamics in the hand flexors using high-frequency ultrasound imaging
Examples of ultrasound recordings of tendon movement
One of our research topics at present is the in vivo measurement of tendon movement using modern ultrasound imaging. Below, we show a number of recordings to illustrate how tendons in the hand move during flexion and extension movements of the hand. Using image processing in Matlab, we use the flow pattern of the speckle on the tendon to calculate the total movement of the hand.
Typical example of the movement of the flexor tendons of the hand, measured at the level of the wrist. Shown is the tendon in the upper part of the image, recognizable by the large vertical movement. The fingers are located right of this image, the muscles and arm on the left. When the tendon moves to the right, it seems to thicking, indicating the start of the attachment of the muscle to the tendon.
Similar example of the movement of the flexor tendons of the hand, this time measured at the start of the carpal tunnel, where the tendon moves deeper into the hand. This time, the fingers are located left of this image, the muscles and arm on the right.
The last recordings shows the movements of the flexor tendons and the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. During the recordings, the subjects flexes and extends his fingers. The image shows the amount of movement occuring during this movement. The image also incidates the small space in the carpal tunnel, making it insightful what would happen if one of the tendon would increase in thickness in case of a carpal tunnel syndrome.