Muscle herniation, in the musculoskeletal (MSK) context, refers to the protrusion of muscle tissue through a defect in its surrounding fascial sheath. This condition commonly occurs in the lower leg, particularly in the tibialis anterior muscle, often due to repetitive strain, trauma, or congenital weakness. On ultrasound, it appears as a focal disruption of the muscle fascia with underlying muscle bulging during dynamic maneuvers.
Diagnosing muscle herniation is crucial for differentiating it from other soft tissue masses like lipomas or hematomas. Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality due to its real-time capabilities, allowing for dynamic assessment of the muscle during contraction and relaxation. Accurate identification ensures appropriate management and prevents misdiagnosis in the clinical setting.
