The role of ultrasound as a problem-solving tool in the assessment of paediatric musculoskeletal injuries

Abstract

Musculoskeletal trauma in the paediatric population covers a wide range of injuries; although many overlap with their adult counterparts, others are exclusive to the immature skeletal system. Ultrasound is a versatile tool particularly suited to both the imaging of children and the dynamic assessment of musculoskeletal injuries. This pictorial review aims to discuss a range of injuries, focusing on those commonly encountered in children. We shall describe the muscle–tendon–bone complex and changes that occur with increasing skeletal maturity and how this affects the type of injury encountered.