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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,…

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue found in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system, crucial for joint health and movement. It covers the ends of bones, reducing friction and absorbing shock during activity. In medical imaging, particularly ultrasound, cartilage appears hypoechoic or anechoic, making its assessment vital for diagnosing conditions like osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, and joint effusions.…

Bursitis in MSK refers to the inflammation of a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles. This common musculoskeletal condition causes pain, swelling, and tenderness, often exacerbated by movement. It frequently affects joints like the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, hindering mobility and daily activities. Diagnosing bursitis…

In musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, a joint effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within a joint capsule. This finding is crucial for diagnosing various conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, trauma, infection, or degenerative joint disease. Ultrasound offers a real-time, non-invasive method to detect, quantify, and characterize joint effusions, aiding in accurate clinical assessment and guiding…

Synovitis is the inflammation of the synovial membrane, the tissue lining joints, tendons, and bursae within the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. This condition leads to symptoms such as pain, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the affected area, commonly seen in arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Ultrasound is a crucial diagnostic tool for synovitis, effectively…

Tendinosis, in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, refers to a chronic degenerative condition of a tendon, distinguished from acute inflammation (tendinitis). It involves collagen fiber disorientation, neovascularization, and cellular changes rather than inflammatory cells. This non-inflammatory process leads to pain, stiffness, and impaired function, commonly affecting areas like the Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendons. Accurate diagnosis…

A tendon tear, in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, refers to a rupture or partial disruption of the fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone. This common injury can range from minor fraying to a complete tear, significantly impacting joint function and mobility. Ultrasound imaging is invaluable for diagnosing tendon tears, allowing real-time visualization of the tendon's integrity,…

A muscle tear, in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, refers to damage within muscle fibers, ranging from a minor strain to a complete rupture. These injuries commonly result from overstretching, forceful contraction, or direct trauma, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced function. Ultrasound is a crucial imaging modality for diagnosing muscle tears due to its ability to…

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…