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Point-of-care ultrasound in musculoskeletal field

  • Special Feature: Review Article
  • The role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
  • Published:
Journal of Medical Ultrasonics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The musculoskeletal field is relatively new in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), a modality that has been gaining significance with the evolution of ultrasound (US) equipment and high-frequency probes. Images have become progressively clearer over the past decade, making it possible to diagnose many pathological conditions without exposure to radiation. Ultrasonography reveals many soft tissue pathologies that cannot be visualized using plain radiographs, which have historically been the first choice for the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders. US saves money and time compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although it is difficult to diagnose a disorder inside bone, its surface can be visualized very clearly, and it is also possible to visualize cartilage. Furthermore, with POCUS, it is possible to confirm a disorder and the continuity of the fibrous structures of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In addition, the understanding of pathological conditions of motor disturbances, such as nerve or muscle/tendon injury, nerve paralysis, adhesions of the tendons, and joint instability, is deepened by observing the movement of these structures. Peripheral nerves, even small branches, can be visualized, and pathological conditions can be pinpointed by observing the nerve morphology, continuity, and relationship with the surrounding tissues. Children can be examined in a safe, relaxed environment, without leaving their parents. In addition, US is significantly different from other modalities in that it can be used for both diagnosis and treatment. Being able to visualize target sites improves safety and route accuracy of needle insertion for injection or puncture. Musculoskeletal POCUS is indispensable in routine medical care and is a technique that medical residents should acquire.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Editage (www.editage.com) for English language editing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Collaborative Research Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan

    Yuko Nakashima

  2. Laboratory of Analysis and Control of Upper Extremity Function, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan

    Toru Sunagawa

  3. Department of Musculoskeletal Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan

    Rikuo Shinomiya

  4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan

    Akira Kodama & Nobuo Adachi

Authors
  1. Yuko Nakashima
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  2. Toru Sunagawa
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  3. Rikuo Shinomiya
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  4. Akira Kodama
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  5. Nobuo Adachi
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Correspondence to Yuko Nakashima.

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Yuko Nakashima, Toru Sunagawa, Rikuo Shinomiya, Akira Kodama, and Nobuo Adachi declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and the Helsinki Declaration of 1964 and later versions.

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Nakashima, Y., Sunagawa, T., Shinomiya, R. et al. Point-of-care ultrasound in musculoskeletal field. J Med Ultrasonics 49, 663–673 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10396-022-01252-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10396-022-01252-0

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