Abstract #0260

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

Eric Y Chang^1,2, Robert M Healey³, Reni Biswas², Sheronda Statum², Betty Tran², Kenyu Iwasaki⁴, Jiang Du², Won C Bae², and Christine B Chung^1,2

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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