2025 Workshop Handout Bundle-W293RTC Basic MSK Muscle US

W293RTC Basic MSK Muscle US - Dutton Xu

Pdf Summary

This document provides an overview of basic musculoskeletal (MSK) and muscle ultrasound techniques focused on the upper limb, presented by Dr. Rebecca Dutton and Dr. Shaohua Xu.<br /><br />Key principles of neuro-musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluation include understanding ultrasound fundamentals and image optimization. The transducer, which emits and receives sound waves via piezoelectric crystals, determines imaging planes and structures visualized. High-frequency transducers yield superior resolution for superficial structures, while low-frequency transducers allow deeper penetration with less resolution. Depth settings affect image clarity, with deeper imaging reducing resolution. Gain amplifies returning echoes to compensate for signal loss, and the focal zone is the narrowest ultrasound beam area for optimal resolution. Color flow mode helps detect fluid flow, such as in blood vessels.<br /><br />Proper transducer handling emphasizes holding it between thumb and fingers, stabilizing with a small finger or the hand's heel on the patient’s skin. Ergonomic principles include adjusting bed and seat height to maintain comfort and visualization without strain.<br /><br />Tissue appearance on ultrasound varies: tendons and ligaments are hyperechoic with distinct fibrillar patterns; muscles display a mixed echogenicity with a "starry night" pattern; nerves show a honeycomb or striated appearance; vessels appear anechoic; and bone surfaces are hyperechoic.<br /><br />Anatomically, the document details ultrasound imaging landmarks for the upper limb's major nerves:<br /><br />- Median nerve region (anterior arm, elbow, forearm, wrist), highlighting biceps tendon, brachial artery, forearm flexors, and wrist bones/tendons.<br />- Ulnar nerve region (medial arm, elbow, forearm, wrist), emphasizing common flexor bundles and nerve branching at the hook of hamate.<br />- Radial nerve region (lateral arm, elbow, forearm, wrist), covering extensor muscle compartments, supinator, and dorsal wrist compartments.<br /><br />This foundational guide aids clinicians in optimizing upper limb MSK ultrasound for nerve and muscle assessment.

Keywords

musculoskeletal ultrasound

upper limb imaging

neuro-musculoskeletal evaluation

ultrasound transducer

image optimization

tissue echogenicity

median nerve ultrasound

ulnar nerve ultrasound

radial nerve ultrasound

ergonomic ultrasound techniques