RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the pitfalls that may be encountered when performing musculoskeletal sonography. CONCLUSION: Sonography of the musculoskeletal system is a useful diagnostic technique, but awareness and understanding of the pitfalls will minimize errors in diagnosis.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/diagnóstico por imagen , Sistema Musculoesquelético/diagnóstico por imagen , Anisotropía , Humanos , Extremidad Inferior/diagnóstico por imagen , Valores de Referencia , Ultrasonografía , Extremidad Superior/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: In our clinical practice, we have noted a caliber change of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) at the elbow as seen in the long axis on sonography simulating nerve entrapment. The objective of this study was to characterize the PIN using sonography in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: Our study retrospectively characterized the PIN in 50 elbows of 47 asymptomatic patients with sonography. Measurements of the PIN in a short-axis cross section using the circumferential trace technique and the anteroposterior (AP) dimension in the long axis were made proximal, at, and distal to the arcade of Frohse. RESULTS: There was reduction of the AP dimension of the PIN distal to the arcade of Frohse when compared with the measurements at the arcade of Frohse and proximal to the arcade (P < .0001); however, there was no significant difference between the cross-sectional area of the PIN at all 3 levels (P = .59). CONCLUSIONS: The PIN normally flattens as it enters into the supinator muscle without a notable change in the cross-sectional area. This appearance should not be misinterpreted as nerve entrapment when imaged in the long axis.
Asunto(s)
Codo/diagnóstico por imagen , Síndromes de Compresión Nerviosa/diagnóstico por imagen , Nervios Periféricos/diagnóstico por imagen , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Adulto , Anciano , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Reacciones Falso Positivas , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: We have found in our practice that the normal extensor retinaculum of the wrist may appear hypoechoic on sonography and, because it is closely applied to the extensor tendons, may simulate tenosynovitis. This study prospectively evaluates the extensor retinaculum in 50 healthy adult volunteers, characterizing its sonographic appearance. CONCLUSION: The extensor retinaculum has a characteristic appearance on sonography. A hypoechoic appearance from anisotropy should not be confused with tenosynovitis.