Shear wave elastography properties of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis obliquus muscles in normal subjects and female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Objective

The aim of our study was to define and compare the mechanical properties of the vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis obliquus muscles (VMO) by the way of quantitative shear-wave elastography in male and female healthy control (HC) subjects, and in female patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Materials and methods

Twenty-two healthy volunteers (11 male and 11 female) and 11 female patients with anterior knee pain were included in the study. The SWE examinations for VL and VMO were performed while the subjects were performing open kinetic chain exercises in neutral and 30° hip abduction. The contraction capacity (CC) and contraction ratio (CR) values were determined in resting and contraction phases in both hip positions.

Results

The mean elasticity values in the CC for VL and VMO muscles were significantly higher in male HC subjects when compared to female HC subjects (p?p?Conclusions We found a significant VMO weakness, and this method may provide quantitative data that might influence the diagnosis of muscle weakness, in female patients with PFPS.