Deep Learning Enables Accurate Soft Tissue Tendon Deformation Estimation In Vivo via Ultrasound Imaging

Details

• Personal Author:
  Dogra I ; Earl CC ; Ghajar-Rahimi E ; Goergen CJ ; Harris-Adamson C ; Houghton F ; Huff RD ; O'Connell GD ; Yu D
• Description:
  Image-based deformation estimation is an important tool used in a variety of engineering problems, including crack propagation, fracture, and fatigue failure. These tools have been important in biomechanics research where measuring in vitro and in vivo tissue deformations are important for evaluating tissue health and disease progression. However, accurately measuring tissue deformation in vivo is particularly challenging due to limited image signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, we created a novel deep-learning approach for measuring deformation from a sequence of images collected in vivo called StrainNet. Utilizing a training dataset that incorporates image artifacts, StrainNet was designed to maximize performance in challenging, in vivo settings. Artificially generated image sequences of human flexor tendons undergoing known deformations were used to compare benchmark StrainNet against two conventional image-based strain measurement techniques. StrainNet outperformed the traditional techniques by nearly 90%. High-frequency ultrasound imaging was then used to acquire images of the flexor tendons engaged during contraction. Only StrainNet was able to track tissue deformations under the in vivo test conditions. Findings revealed strong correlations between tendon deformation and applied forces, highlighting the potential for StrainNet to be a valuable tool for assessing rehabilitation strategies or disease progression. Additionally, by using real-world data to train our model, StrainNet was able to generalize and reveal important relationships between the effort exerted by the participant and tendon mechanics. Overall, StrainNet demonstrated the effectiveness of using deep learning for image-based strain analysis in vivo. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Biomechanical Phenomena Musculoskeletal System Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Deep Learning Biomechanics Image Texture Correlation Imaging Techniques In Vivo Study Machine Learning Musculoskeletal System StrainNet Tissue Disorders Ultrasound
• ISSN:
  2045-2322
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  California ; Indiana ; OSHA Region 5 ; OSHA Region 9
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  14
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20070025
• Citation:
  Sci Rep 2024 Aug; 14:18401
• Contact Point Address:
  Grace D. O'Connell, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
• Email:
  g.oconnell@berkeley.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2024
• Performing Organization:
  University of California, Berkeley
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Scientific Reports
• End Date:
  20250630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:fd6aee807d9c6d0c8e729348c9f32e5aeede5541e421887c0b32023771a04ba019af50712a63588b7339c3e6d1efc328aa0d43d75b41b0d3c455e772e1a16b5d
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/208330/cdc_208330_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 4.60 MB ]