Oxford aims to expand boundaries of ultrasound

Pictured with GE Healthcare Logiq E9 and Voluson i Hi Res ultrasound systems at the Botnar Research Institute, which houses the Oxford University Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, are Mr Paul Monk (left) and Dr Richard Murphy, orthopaedic surgical trainees doing DPhil research degrees.
Their work implements novel ultrasound modalities such as contrast to characterise the tissue quality of tendons like the rotator cuff in the shoulder. Currently ultrasound is used to simply assess structure and some qualitative aspects of tendonosis but plans include the use of the biopsy-guiding aspects of the Logiq e9 as well as its contrast feature to correlate tissue results with imaging, and the 3D facility of the system will map the pattern of rotator cuff tears.
The Voluson i is used to acquire 3D images of the patella and to map its movement during walking by triangulating the position of the probe, the patella and the leg simultaneously in the gait lab. The aim is to refine the design of the patello-femoral components of knee replacements.
See the full report on page 28 of the November issue of RAD Magazine.