UTE_MRI is assumed to be a great non-invasive technique to assess tendons as a unique viscoelastic tissue, with a very short T2. Early stage of tendon diseases, is hypothesized to affect the mechanical properties of tendon sooner and quicker than its morphology. This study, focused on the UTE-based T2* and MTR variations of the tendon samples under mechanical loading. Stretching the tendon samples with different loads using an MRI-compatible device resulted in significant reductions of T2* and increases in MTR. The MTR regional variations and shifts, obtainable by presented approach will help for assessing tendon quality and health level.
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