What are the common indications for musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
Musculoskeletal US may be used for a wide range of indications. Some of the most common indications include evaluation for tendon pathology in the rotator cuff, quadriceps, patellar, Achilles, and elbow common flexor/extensor tendons. It is also commonly used to assess for ligamentous injury in the anterior talofibular ligament of the ankle, medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee, and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. Additional common indications include the evaluation of bursal abnormalities (Baker cyst, subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis/calcific bursitis), muscle injury or hematoma, and joint effusions. US can be used to evaluate palpable masses and is also extremely useful for real-time interventional guidance, allowing direct visualization of the needle within the target.
