Musculoskeletal sonography

Abstract

The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound continues to expand, mainly because of technical improvements (highfrequency broadband transducers, refined focusing, and sensitive color and power Doppler technology) and growing interest on the part of musculoskeletal radiologists. Its low cost, non-invasiveness and portability, which, for example, allows examination athletes to be examined directly on the sport field, are additional qualities appreciated by patients. In addition, up to-date, high-level equipment allow detection of normal anatomic details and identification of a variety of pathologic conditions [1]. The possibility to perform a dynamic examination is a specific advantage of US over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). The main disadvantages of US are limited assessment capability of internal structures of the joints, bone and bone marrow. However, introduction of the extended-field-of-view technology has allowed imaging of larger segments and has made their interpretation by the referring physician easier. The objective of this article is to present the basic US aspect sof normal and pathologic muscles, tendons, and peripheral nerves followed by a review of the more commonly encountered abnormalities in different joints. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Italia.