Biomechanical Assessment of Soft Tissues in the Foot and Ankle Using Ultrasound

There has been an increasing use of ultrasound as an imaging modality in the assessment of foot and ankle function with implications in a range of diagnostic applications. The importance of the mechanical characteristics of the soft tissue within the foot and ankle and their relationship to physical and physiological functions during weightbearing activities have been previously established. Given this significance, this chapter has a focus on the application of ultrasound as an imaging modality for biomechanical assessment of the soft tissues of the foot and ankle. This chapter provides an overview of ultrasound-based assessment to examine the mechanical behavior of the soft tissues, expanding on methods like ultrasound assessment when the tissue is under realistic loading conditions and ultrasound elastography (sonoelastography). In addition, the role of ultrasound in assessment of the mechanical properties of plantar fat pad, plantar fascia, and Achilles tendon in healthy and pathological conditions are discussed.