Involved researchers: Christine CHAPPARD and Quentin GRIMAL

Musculoskeletal diseases are common and are the leading contributors to years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide. These conditions affect bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, with major pathologies including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, back pain, overuse disorders, sarcopenia, and neuromuscular disorders. During the progression of these diseases, the material properties, microstructure, and composition of tissues undergo significant changes.

For over 20 years, ultrasound technology has been widely used for the assessment of musculoskeletal diseases in routine clinical practice, yet numerous potential applications remain unexplored.

By combining expertise in physics and engineering, and with in collaboration with physicians, we are developing advanced ultrasound imaging and characterization methods for the musculoskeletal system, leveraging cutting-edge technological innovations. Our work focuses particularly on high-frame-rate and three-dimensional imaging systems, advanced image processing tools and analysis, as well as machine learning techniques.

Our goal is to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound methods, providing clinicians with more precise tools for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Main ongoing projects:

• Cortical bone quantitative ultrasound imaging
• Quantitative ultrasound imaging of neuro-muscular coupling
• 3D textural analysis for muscles and tendons