2022 Workshop Handout Bundle-Basic US of the Lower Limb Nerves

Basic US of the Lower Limb Nerves - Duplechan
Pdf Summary
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US) is a diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to identify pathology in tendons, ligaments, joints, muscle, and nerves. MSK US is particularly useful for orthopedic disorders and offers advantages such as excellent spatial resolution, lower cost than other modalities, no risk from radiation exposure, ease of use, and the ability to evaluate pathology in real-time. However, MSK US has limitations in evaluating internal joint derangements and structures obscured by bone. Operator dependence is another limitation of MSK US.<br /><br />High frequency linear array transducers are generally preferred for MSK US imaging. Different tissues have characteristic sonographic appearance, with terms such as hypoechoic, hyperechoic, and anechoic used to describe them. Recognition of normal and abnormal tissue patterns is crucial for performing MSK US. Structures such as bony and vascular landmarks can be used to locate tissues that are difficult to visualize. Variations in anisotropy, the artifact created by the transducer not being perpendicular to the tissue, can affect the visibility of different soft-tissue structures.<br /><br />MSK US is frequently used to assess tendon pathologies, including tendon ruptures and degenerative tendinosis. The term tendinitis is discouraged as most tendon disorders are considered degenerative rather than inflammatory. Tendonopathies often exhibit enlargement, hypoechogenicity, loss of fibrillar architecture, and increased Doppler flow. Different types of tendon tears can be observed, such as partial thickness, longitudinal, or full thickness tears.<br /><br />The document also provides information on transducer movements, sonographic appearance of tissues, and checklists for upper and lower limb imaging. It concludes with a list of references and basic principles for performing musculoskeletal ultrasound.<br /><br />Overall, this document provides a comprehensive overview of musculoskeletal ultrasound, including its advantages, limitations, techniques, and applications in diagnosing tendon pathologies.
Keywords
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
MSK US
diagnostic technique
sound waves
pathology
tendons
ligaments
joints
muscle
nerves