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Abstract #0260

Correlation of Mono-exponential and Bi-exponential UTE-T2* Analyses and Biomechanics in Human Achilles Tendons

Eric Y Chang1,2, Robert M Healey3, Reni Biswas2, Sheronda Statum2, Betty Tran2, Kenyu Iwasaki4, Jiang Du2, Won C Bae2, and Christine B Chung1,2

1Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States, 2Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, United States, 3Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA, United States, 4Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan

In this pilot study, we sought to determine if mono-exponential T2, mono-exponential UTE-T2*, or bi-exponential UTE-T2* correlated with biomechanical properties in human Achilles tendons. We found very high and significant correlation coefficients between mono-exponential T2* (rho = 0.90, p = 0.002) and bi-exponential T2* fractions (rho = -0.97, p < 0.001) obtained using the UTE-Cones sequence and ultimate tensile strain. Ultimate tensile strain represents the percentage change in tendon length prior to failure and high strains have been previously associated with tendon degeneration. Our results suggest that non-invasive MRI of the Achilles tendon may serve as a surrogate measure.

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