Acoustoelastography and Shear Wave Imaging: Novel Methods of Quantitative Evaluation of Tendon Strength by Mapping Tendon Elasticity via Ultrasound Principal Investigator

Currently, monitoring protocols after tendon injury are based on ultrasonography evaluations of tendon. Unfortunately, these do not provide the clinician with any idea of how well the tendon is healing, it just tells them how well any gaps are filling in. Currently in human medicine, the technology exists to evaluate how hard or soft tissue is based on ultrasound. We aim to evaluate two of these techniques, termed shear wave imaging and acoustoelastography, to determine if we can accurately predict the ultimate tensile strength and stiffness of tendon. Currently, the only way to determine these values is to remove the tendon from the animal and test it in a machine. If successful, these techniques would be highly beneficial in both human and animal patients, where rehabilitation can be matched to how quickly or slowly a tendon heals, minimizing the risk of reinjury, in addition to reducing the number of animals needed for tendon research. Development of Bone Deformity Profiles Using Computed Tomography and 3D Models for Limb Alignment Correction Principal Investigator Jason Bleedorn, Department of Surgical Sciences Abstract Orthopaedic growth deformities are common debilitating conditions that affect young growing dogs. These can result in considerable pain, lameness and result in loss of the affected limb if untreated in severe cases. Treatment typically involves a surgical corrective osteotomy of the deformed bones to realign the limb and improve function.Orthopaedic growth deformities are common debilitating conditions that affect young growing dogs. These can result in considerable pain, lameness and result in loss of the affected limb if untreated in severe cases. Treatment typically involves a surgical corrective osteotomy of the deformed bones to realign the limb and improve function.