Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42163125›Full record

ArticleBMC medical imaging2026

Shear wave elastography-based predictive model for early functional recovery following extensor tendon repair of the hand.

Zelin Xu, Tingting Du, Jinze Li, Guanming Zeng, Wenhan Zhang, Ming Chen, Hongtao Yu, Zhilin Kang, Jun Li, Xinhui Du

Abstract read
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Article in BMC medical imaging, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Zelin Xu *Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Tingting Du *Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Jinze Li *Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Guanming Zeng *Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Wenhan ZhangDepartment of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Ming ChenDepartment of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Hongtao YuDepartment of Trauma Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Zhilin KangDepartment of Trauma Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China.
Jun LiDepartment of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China. 1287424798@qq.com.
Xinhui DuDepartment of Trauma Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832008, China. duxinhui0347@163.com.

Funding

he National College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program 202510759016;the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Resident Innovation Project ZP2024001the Key Science and Technology Project of 8th Division Shihezi City 2025ZDSF02
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo investigate whether early postoperative shear wave elastography (SWE) parameters-specifically absolute stiffness and novel elasticity ratios reflecting regional stiffness gradients-can serve as early biomechanical proxies to predict 12-week functional outcomes.

methodsThis prospective study included 65 patients (81 tendons) who underwent extensor tendon surgical repair. Conventional ultrasound and SWE were performed one week postoperatively. Absolute shear wave velocities (SWV) were measured at the distal tendon (ROI-1), suture site (ROI-2), and proximal tendon (ROI-3). Elasticity ratios (e.g., Ratio-3) were calculated to quantify the structural heterogeneity between the repair site and adjacent tissues. Functional recovery was evaluated using the Total Active Motion (TAM) score at 12 weeks. Linear mixed-effects and multivariable logistic regression models were utilized.

resultsEarly SWE metrics demonstrated strong predictive value for 12-week TAM. Absolute stiffness at the suture site (SWVmean

conclusionEarly postoperative SWE parameters, particularly suture site stiffness and derived elasticity ratios, are robust predictors of functional recovery following extensor tendon repair. The integrated predictive model shows promise for early, objective risk stratification, facilitating safe and individualized rehabilitation strategies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For patients with hand extensor tendon repairs, a predictive model incorporating shear wave elastography parameters and tendon thickness can accurately forecast functional recovery outcomes. This quantitative approach enables personalized rehabilitation protocols, optimizes timing of intervention, and significantly improves hand function restoration, providing surgeons with objective metrics for clinical decision-making.

Indexed as

Elasticity Imaging TechniquesHandRecovery of FunctionTendon InjuriesTendonsAdultAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPredictive Value of TestsProspective StudiesCorrelation studyExtensor tendon repairMusculoskeletal ultrasoundShear wave elastography

Identifiers

PMID42163125
PMCPMC13366700

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