An exploratory study of two-dimensional shear-wave elastography in the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome

Background Two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) is an ultrasound elastography technique that uses shear waves to quantitatively measure tissue stiffness and it has recently been developed as a safe, real-time, and noninvasive imaging technique. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of 2D-SWE in the diagnosis and treatment of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Methods 2D-SWE was used to measure the elasticity values of the main muscles in the superficial compartments of the calf in 212 healthy volunteers, and the difference in the muscle elasticity values between different gender and age groups were analyzed. Nine patients with clinical suspicion of ACS were included in this study and 2D-SWE was used to measure the elasticity values of the muscles on the affected and unaffected sides, and a comparative analysis was performed. Results The mean elasticity values of the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), and gastrocnemius medialis (GA) muscles in the relaxed state of the 212 healthy volunteers were 25.4 ± 3.2 kPa, 15.7 ± 1.5 kPa, and 12.1 ± 2.1 kPa, respectively. No statistically significant differences was observed in the elasticity values of the same muscle under the state of relaxation in different gender and age groups (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference in the elasticity values of the muscle between the affected and unaffected sides in the fasciotomy group (p < 0.05, n = 5) was observed. In contrast, no difference in the elasticity values of the muscle between the affected and unaffected sides in the conservative group (p > 0.05, n = 4) was observed. There was a statistically significant difference in the elasticity values of the muscle on the affected side in the two treatment groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions When the ACS occurs, the muscle elasticity of the affected limb increases significantly. 2D-SWE is expected to be a new noninvasive technique for the assessment of ACS and may provide a potential basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Improving the development of flexibility of gymnasts 8-9 years old using the «stretching» program

The article deals with the issues of improving the development of flexibility of gymnasts of 8-9 years old using the «stretching» program. The work shows that flexibility is an important component of sportsmanship in training gymnasts, since its insufficient development significantly complicates the process of formation of specific skills, coordination of movements, limits the possibility of manifestation and increase of strength and speed abilities, increases the likelihood of damage to muscles, tendons, joints. It was determined that the methods and techniques that help to maximize the use of stretching in order to increase the elasticity of the muscles of young gymnasts, improve the flexibility of their joints and minimize the risk of injury, are combined into a single stretching program. Stretching is a range of exercises designed to improve flexibility and mobility in the joints. Flexibility is one of the most important physical qualities that determines a person's ability to perform movements with a large amplitude. The main importance of stretching is the ability to lengthen muscle fibers by stretching, increase the range of motion in the joints, and accelerate the body's recovery after intense physical exertion. With correct (without jerking) slow stretching, the initial muscle contraction turns into relaxation. As a result of regular exercise, joint mobility and muscle elasticity increase. Stretching exercises perfectly relax muscles, improve their tone, supply oxygen, nutrients, and promote the elimination of toxins. According to the results of the study, it was found that the proposed complexes of exercises «stretching» programs contribute to an increase in the level of development of flexibility of gymnasts of 8-9 years old.

Sequential Changes in Posterior Shoulder Muscle Elasticity After Throwing as Assessed via Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography

Background: Improvements in ultrasound diagnostic equipment and techniques can enable muscle stiffness to be measured quantitatively as muscle elasticity using ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE), where high muscle elasticity values represent muscle stiffness. Purpose: To use USWE to analyze the sequential changes in muscle elasticity in the posterior shoulder before and after pitching. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The authors evaluated 14 baseball players who had played in high school or college at an intermediate level. The elasticity of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus (ISP), middle trapezius, lower trapezius (LT), rhomboideus, and serratus anterior muscles of the throwing shoulder was measured using USWE at 3 time points: before, immediately after, and 24 hours after a throwing session of 100 pitches. The authors analyzed the sequential changes in the mean elasticity values of the respective muscles at the 3 time points. Results: The mean elasticity values before, immediately after, and 24 hours after throwing were as follows: supraspinatus: 32.9, 53.4, 43.8 kPa; ISP: 22.7, 44.8, 43.7 kPa; middle trapezius: 45.1, 70.3, 59.9 kPa; LT: 32.8, 45.5, 46.5 kPa; rhomboideus: 29.1, 47.5, 38.8 kPa; and serratus anterior: 19.2, 36.9, 26.5 kPa, respectively. The mean elasticity values for all tested muscles were significantly higher immediately after throwing compared with before throwing ( P ≤ .0086 for all), and elasticity values in the ISP and LT remained significantly higher 24 hours after throwing compared with before throwing ( P ≤ .019 for both). Conclusion: The study results indicated that pitching significantly increased ISP and LT muscle elasticity even after 24 hours.