Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Noninflammatory Musculoskeletal Conditions

Ultrasonography is a growing technique for the evaluation of superficial structures, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, nerves, masses, and cysts. Attractive features, including lower cost in comparison with MRI, lack of ionizing radiation, ability to dynamically assess structures, reliable use of unaffected side as an internal control, as well as safety in patients with contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging further expand its application. Power Doppler can determine the extent of target tissue perfusion. In this article, the applications of ultrasound are discussed in traumatic, degenerative, and infectious conditions. Quantitative ultrasound in osteoporosis diagnosis and ultrasound use in detection of foreign bodies, synovial pathology, and crystalline arthropathies is also discussed.