Note the innovation of ‘ultrasound tissue characterisation’ – a novel way of quantifying ultrasound images. An innovation from the thoroughbred racing industry and possibly the next big thing in imaging-this is a ‘giant leap’ rather than a small step.

Quote from the editorial Ultrasound as the new stethoscope  (British Journal of Sports Medicine 2010 (December);44 (16)

In my view, UTC imaging offers new perspectives in the non-invasive characterization of equine tendon tissue. In the Equine Clinic of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover, we use it to monitor tendon injuries after different forms of intralesional treatment. Including client owned horses into scientific studies has become much easier, as the use of UTC imaging is more than well accepted by clients. At the same time, it helps to design individual rehabilitation programs.

At Trackside Technologies, we demand the cutting edge in tendon imaging technology. With groundbreaking research into tendon pathology in both human and equine athletes, it is simply not enough to rely on traditional ultrasound and MRI. UTC imaging is currently our most powerful tool in staging, monitoring and rehabilitating tendinopathies. We recommend UTC imaging as an emerging, novel and exciting way of looking at a challenging and often debilitating pathology.

Using this system will enable us to prevent the development of tendon injuries based on UTC imaging‘s sensitivity to detect already minor exercise-induced changes in the tendon matrix

Objective quantification of tendon structural changes through imaging is only achieved by evaluating tendon structure using ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) technology.

Quote from Evaluation of Patellar Tendon Structural Changes following Biological Treatments: Secondary Analysis of Double-Blinded Clinical Trial of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma Biomedicines. 2024 Jul 18;12(7):1599.

Ballet dancers showed structural changes in UTC, corresponding to a decreased echo-type I distribution after six weeks of rehearsing for Swan Lake ballet. No changes in self-reported symptoms, clinical signs of Achilles tendinopathy, and single-leg heel raise test were seen from pre- to post-rehearsal. Thus, UTC changes in the Achilles tendon seem to appear earlier than clinical signs of tendinopathy.

Quote from: Six weeks of intensive rehearsals for the Swan Lake ballet shows ultrasound tissue characterization changes of the Achilles tendons in dancers

(Scand J Med Sci Sports . 2021 Nov;31(11):2133-2143)

UTC plays an important role in monitoring athletes’ tendon health during each phase of the rehabilitation process and for managing in-season tendon pain.

Quote from Management of Tendinopathies with Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (SportEX Medicine 2014;61(July):26-30)

While the current scientific literature seems to support the use of ultrasound tissue characterization to guide rehabilitation and monitor the effects of changing loads during training on the tendon, anecdotal accounts from both human and equine clinical practice also report the ability of ultrasound tissue characterization to warn of impending injury.

Quote from Monitoring Bowed Tendons

(Trainer Magazine. 2020 issue 71:48-52.)

Achilles and patella tendon pain is very common, but the precise nature of the complaint is difficult to diagnose and treat. The new imaging modality of ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) produces high resolution scans of the tendon, providing an in depth analysis of the health of the tendon tissue. In the future this technology will become indispensable for preventing tendon overload, diagnosing tendon conditions and monitoring rehabilitation.

Quote from Management of Tendinopathies with Ultrasound Tissue Characterization

(SportEX Medicine 2014;61(July):26-30)