When to use
MSK US evaluates tendons, muscles, ligaments, bursae and superficial collections. Real-time dynamic study is a key advantage — useful for impingement, instability, partial tears and procedure guidance. Limited for bone and deep structures; MRI completes the workup when indicated.
What to evaluate
- Tendons: thickness, echotexture, contours, tendinosis/partial or full tear signs.
- Muscles: fibrillar architecture, tears, hematomas, muscular herniation.
- Bursae: distention, content, Doppler vascularity.
- Joint: effusion, synovitis, loose bodies, cartilage (limited).
- Superficial collections and masses: size, echogenicity, vascularity.
Interactive template
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- Tendão quadríceps femoral: com espessura, contornos e textura normais.
- Tendão patelar: com aspecto anatômico.
- Tendões da “pata de ganso”: apresentando espessura e textura normais.
- Trato iliotibial e tendão bicipital: com características preservadas.
- Ligamentos colaterais: com espessura, contornos e textura habituais.
- Fossa poplítea: sem formações císticas.
- Derrame articular: não há.
Conclusão:
- Exame sem achados significativos.
How to use
- Replace each [...] with the exam's measurement or descriptor.
- Adapt the conclusion to your service protocol before signing.
- Use the template as a starting point — not a replacement for physician review.
- In Laudos.AI, dictate findings in natural speech and the AI structures text in this format for review.
Frequently asked
- When prefer MRI over MSK ultrasound?
- When there is suspicion of bone injury, marrow edema, deep structures (acetabulum, nucleus pulposus), deep intra-articular lesions or complex pre-surgical planning. US excels at tendons, soft tissue and dynamic study.
- Useful for guided injections?
- Yes — US guidance for intra-articular, peritendinous and bursal injections increases accuracy and safety compared to blind technique.
References
- ACR–AIUM–SRU Practice Parameter for the Performance of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination.