Ultrasonography (US) is a useful diagnostic method that can be easily applied to identify the cause of metatarsalgia. The superficial location of the structures, dynamic capability and direct real-time evaluation of the pain site are also strong advantages of US when we examine the foot with it. Moreover, knowing the possible pain sources to look at when the patient has a specific site of pain will enhance the diagnostic quality of the US, and will help the radiologists to perform an efficient and effective US.The purpose of this article is to review the common etiologies of metatarsalgia including Morton's neuroma, plantar plate injury, synovitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis and metatarsal fractures, and to discuss their US features.

This study assesses the characteristics of preplaced aggregate concrete prepared with alkali-activated cement grout as an adhesive binder. Various binary blends of slag and fly ash without fine aggregate as a filler material were considered along with different solution-to-solid ratios. The properties of fresh and hardened grout along with the properties of hardened preplaced concrete were investigated, as were the compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, density, water absorption and total voids of the preplaced concrete. The results indicated that alkali-activated cement grout has better flowability characteristics and compressive strength than conventional cement grout. As a result, the mechanical performance of the preplaced aggregate concrete was significantly improved. The results pertaining to the water absorption and porosity revealed that the alkali-activated preplaced aggregate concrete is more resistant to water permeation. The filling capacity based on the ultrasonic pulse velocity value is discussed to comment on the wrapping ability of alkali-activated cement grout.

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