Detection of tendon tears by degree of linear polarization imaging

A Stokes polarimetry imaging (SPI) system was developed and utilized to detect tendon tears by constructing the degree of linear polarization (DOLP) image maps after linearly polarized light illumination. The micro and partial-thickness tears of turkey tendons were made and imaged by the SPI system at different incident polarization angles (IPA) with different mechanical loads on the tendon. The micro and partial-thickness tendon tears were detected by the DOLP images due to weak birefringence around the tears. The tendon tears were detected by a highest DOLP contrast at longest visible wavelength (Red, 650 ± 50 nm). All polarized images showed modulated DOLP as the incident polarization angle (IPA) was varied. The varying DOLP allowed the optimal detection of the micro and partial-thickness tendon tears at a certain IPA. The SPI system with variable IPA and spectral information can improve the detection of the tendon tears by higher visibility of fiber orientations, and thereby improve diagnosis and treatment of the tendon related injuries.