2026 Workshop Handout Bundle-W81C - Basic US of Lower Limb Nerves

W81C - Basic US of Lower Limb Nerves - Duplechan

Pdf Summary

The document introduces musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US), emphasizing its use in evaluating tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, and nerves. Compared with MRI, it offers high spatial resolution, lower cost, no radiation, point-of-care access, and real-time assessment of dynamic problems. Its limitations include difficulty assessing structures hidden by bone or internal joint damage, and strong dependence on operator skill.<br /><br />High-frequency linear transducers are generally preferred. Effective scanning relies on appropriate hand positioning and transducer movements, including sliding, rocking, tilting, rotation, and compression. Structures should usually be examined in both short and long axis, with side-to-side comparison and clinical findings used to support interpretation.<br /><br />The text describes typical ultrasound appearances: tendons are bright and fibrillar but prone to anisotropy; nerves have a fascicular pattern and should be followed proximally and distally to assess size and structure; muscles show characteristic patterns and contract with activation; and ligaments are compact and striated. Bony and vascular landmarks can help locate less conspicuous tissues.<br /><br />Tendon disorders commonly include degenerative tendinosis and tears. Tendinopathy may show enlargement, reduced echogenicity, disrupted fibrillar architecture, and increased Doppler flow. Tears may produce atrophy, bone-surface irregularity, and a sharply defined fluid-filled gap; they can be partial, longitudinal, or full thickness.<br /><br />Checklists outline basic scanning protocols and patient positioning for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. The lower-limb protocols include nerves such as the femoral, sciatic, saphenous, tibial, fibular, sural, and lateral cutaneous nerves of the thigh. The document recommends practicing complete protocols to build familiarity with normal anatomy and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords

musculoskeletal ultrasound

MSK US

tendons

ligaments

joints

muscle imaging

nerve ultrasound

tendinosis

dynamic assessment

high-frequency transducer