The role of ultrasound imaging of musculotendinous structures in the elderly population

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) is a noninvasive and real-time method that allows the evaluating muscles and tendons. The enhanced echo-intensity (EI) on ultrasonography images of skeletal muscle is believed to reflect changes in muscle quality (MQ), and these changes accompany aging. Also related to aging, and that may more severely affect women than men, is the well-known loss of skeletal muscle mass. Often associated with the accumulation of connective tissues (e.g., adipose), it affects muscle strength and MQ and causes functional impairment. This chapter demonstrates the potential use of US imaging for assessing muscle changes associated with aging and functional decline.