Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Noninflammatory Musculoskeletal Conditions

Abstract

Sonography is an attractive tool for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions. The clinician can evaluate the anatomic segment during active and/or passive flexion and extension maneuvers, and its real-time capability allows imaging in positions that trigger symptoms. Scanning the contralateral asymptomatic extremity can be used as a reference for normal anatomy in a given patient. A common application of ultrasound is for the assessment of rotator cuff tendons. It can also be used to assess soft tissue infections, nerve pathology, and various sports-related injuries.

Utility of ultrasonography for diagnosis of superficial swellings in buffalo (<i>Bubalus bubalis</i>)

“…It provides a noninvasive, safe, rapid, simple, reliable and dynamic visualization for differential diagnosis in standing animals with a variety of different types of superficial swellings, when physical examinations are inconclusive [ 4 , 15 , 20 ]. The use of ultrasonography for observation and measurement of the shape, size and consistency of superficial masses, coupled with ultrasound-guided biopsy improves the clinicians’ ability to provide accurate diagnoses [ 5 , 9 , 24 , 25 ]. Linear array transducers provide improved resolution and are suitable for scanning any abnormal lumps or body wall swellings.…”

“…Thus, their differential diagnosis represents a serious challenge, given their similarity on physical examination. In such instances, ultrasonographic evaluation of these swellings and their contents provides a reliable tool for their differential diagnosis [ 7 , 9 , 13 ]. In this study, the major difference in the ultrasonographic images of abscesses as compared to hematomas was the difference in their contents.…”

“…The presence of more or less hypoechoic inflammatory exudates in recent hernias resembled that of abscesses under ultrasonographic examination. However, the clearly visible peristaltic movement of intestine within the hernia was particularly useful for their differential diagnosis [ 9 , 18 , 27 ]. Furthermore, hernioraphy, whether open or closed, depends on ultrasonographic evaluation of the intensity of peristaltic movement and degree of adhesion between the hernial sac and surrounding tissue.…”

The pitfalls of ultrasonography in the evaluation of soft tissue masses

“…This is particularly valuable in targeted biopsy of large, heterogeneous tumours. 5 Ultrasonography has been utilised in tumour follow-up in the research setting. It has been used to detect tumour recurrence 6,7 and monitor regression of tumour neovascularity induced by therapy for musculoskeletal sarcoma.…”

Muscle bleeds in professional athletes – diagnosis, classification, treatment and potential impact in patients with haemophilia

“…These real-time capabilities allow observations of the injury during active and passive motion as well as compression and stretch. The contralateral side can be used as a reference [35]. Finally, diagnostic ultrasound is useful during the healing and rehabilitation process, to assess soft tissue and areas with muscular dysfunction [12].…”