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 visualize soft tissues in real-time, assess the extent and location of the injury, and guide treatment, including aspiration of hematomas.
Accurate identification of muscle tears via medical ultrasound is essential for proper management and rehabilitation. Sonographers evaluate the echotexture of the muscle, looking for disruption of the normal fibrillar pattern, fluid collections (hematomas), or retraction of muscle ends. Early and precise ultrasound diagnosis helps optimize recovery times and minimize long-term complications, making it a valuable tool in sports medicine and general MSK practice.
