Ultrasound of the Musculoskeletal System

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging provides unique opportunities to study the physiology and pathology of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. This chapter begins by describing the molecular and histological features that give bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments their characteristic appearance, or echotexture, in ultrasound imaging. Examples of changes in normal echotexture that indicate pathology are then given. Next, dynamic imaging of structures of the MSK system is described as the capability to observe a body part as it is moved actively by the patient, or passively by the person performing the imaging. The chapter concludes with four laboratory exercises that are examples of how ultrasound imaging can be used to enhance the understanding of concepts underlying the normal physiology of the MSK system: (1) visualization and measurement of the pennation angle in a muscle before and after contraction; (2) demonstration of increased blood perfusion in a muscle after exercise; (3) operation of the calf venous pump, and (4) demonstration of differences in flow patterns in arteries before and after exercise.