Simulation of LIPUS Topography and the Thermal Properties of the Achilles Tendon

Low Intensity Pulse Ultrasound (LIPUS) is widely used to treat various diseases because of its non-invasiveness and non-ionizing radiation. However, few studies have analyzed the specific mechanism and optimal parameters of LIPUS in treating the Achilles tendon injury. This paper investigated the LIPUS topography and the thermal properties with different parameters through simulation for ultrasound treatment of the Achilles tendon. First, a four-layer model of bone tissue, tendon, muscle, and soft tissue was established. Then, the finite element method was used to simulate the sound intensity distribution and thermal effects of ultrasound. Finally, the influence of ultrasonic parameters such as frequency, initial intensities, and transducer diameters was discussed. Experimental simulation results show that the frequency of 3 MHz may be a recommended choice to treat Achilles tendon disease. This paper theoretically explores the underlying physical mechanism of ultrasound treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, which has guiding significance for in vivo and in vitro experiments.