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A hematoma, in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often resulting from trauma, surgery, or underlying conditions. Appearing as a fluid collection on ultrasound, its characteristics vary based on age—from anechoic (fresh) to hyperechoic/heterogeneous (clotted/organizing). MSK ultrasound is crucial for diagnosing, characterizing, and monitoring hematomas, differentiating them from…

In musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, a foreign body refers to any object that has entered the body from an external source and is lodged within soft tissues, muscles, or joints. Common examples include glass, wood, metal fragments, or even organic materials like thorns. Ultrasound is a crucial imaging modality for detecting and localizing these objects, especially…

A stress fracture in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound refers to a tiny crack in a bone, commonly caused by repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. In medical imaging, particularly with ultrasound, stress fractures can be challenging to detect in early stages, as they may not be visible on initial X-rays. Ultrasound can play a…

In musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, a tendon is a crucial fibrous connective tissue that links muscle to bone, enabling movement and stability. These structures are composed of dense, regular collagen fibers, which appear hyperechoic and fascicular on ultrasound imaging. Proper identification and assessment of tendon integrity are vital in diagnosing conditions like tendinitis, tears, or tenosynovitis,…

A ligament is a strong, fibrous band of connective tissue that plays a vital role in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system by connecting bones to other bones. These resilient structures provide crucial stability to joints, limiting excessive movement and preventing dislocation. In medical and ultrasound imaging, assessing ligaments is key for diagnosing injuries such as sprains,…

In musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, muscles are critical soft tissue structures visualized for diagnostic purposes. These contractile tissues, essential for movement and posture, appear with a characteristic pennate or parallel fibrillar echotexture on ultrasound images. Understanding their normal sonographic appearance is fundamental for identifying pathology. Medical professionals leverage MSK ultrasound to assess muscle injuries such as…

In musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, a fascial plane refers to a thin layer of connective tissue that separates muscles, organs, or other structures. These planes are crucial for identifying anatomical landmarks, guiding needle procedures like nerve blocks or aspirations, and assessing fluid collections or pathologies. Understanding fascial planes enhances visualization and precision in diagnostic and interventional…

In musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, a "nerve" refers to a bundle of axons that transmit electrical signals throughout the body, playing a crucial role in sensory perception and motor control. Ultrasound imaging allows for real-time, non-invasive visualization of peripheral nerves, aiding in the diagnosis of various neuropathies, entrapment syndromes, and nerve injuries. This precise anatomical assessment…

The bone cortex, or cortical bone, is the dense, outer layer of bone tissue crucial for skeletal integrity within musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound. Its echogenic appearance makes it a key landmark for identifying fractures, assessing bone surface irregularities, and evaluating surrounding soft tissues. Understanding its sonographic characteristics is vital for accurate MSK diagnostics. In medical ultrasound,…