Ultrasound: Tendons: Difference between revisions
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
*Have patient range limb and view in real time | *Have patient range limb and view in real time | ||
*Know your limitations if case is not clear cut | *Know your limitations if case is not clear cut | ||
*Do not | *Do not mistake [https://radiopaedia.org/articles/anisotropy anisotropy] for tendon rupture | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Latest revision as of 21:16, 19 April 2017
Background
- U/S can be used to assess continuity of tendons and ligaments
- They have a property called anisotropy which means they have 2 different appearances if assess longitudinally or transversely
Images
Normal
Normal tendon
Tendon anisotrophy on left of image
Abnormal
Tendon Rupture
Tendon Rupture
Instructions
- Use linear probe (high frequency probe)
- Place probe in longitudinal plane over suspect tendon; high yield locations inlcude:
- Biceps can be proximal or distal
- Patella tendons 2cm from insertion on patella
- Achilles 2-6cm above calcaneus
- Fan and slide side to side to optimize your view
- Slide distal to proximal to find defect
- Turn probe 90° to assess for tendon body defects
Findings
- Positive Findings
- Discontinuity in longitudinal view of ligament
- Collection of fluid in longitudinal or transverse view suggests injury
- Negative Findings
- Longitudinal views show continuous densely striped parallel lines
- Transverse views show oval structure with punctate interior
Pearls and Pitfalls
- Look at other limb for "normal" anatomy
- Have patient range limb and view in real time
- Know your limitations if case is not clear cut
- Do not mistake anisotropy for tendon rupture