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.

Report template — Ultrasound of shoulder

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

Fill the blanks0/0

- Tendão da cabeça longa do bíceps: com espessura, contornos e textura normais. - Tendões supraespinhal, infraespinhal e subescapular: com espessura, contornos e textura habituais. - Ventres musculares do supraespinhal e infraespinhal: apresentando morfologia e trofismo preservados. - Bursa subacromial-subdeltoidea: sem espessamentos ou distensão líquida. - Derrame articular glenoumeral: não há. - Articulação acromioclavicular: sem alterações significativas. Conclusão: - Exame sem achados significativos.

Template in Brazilian Portuguese (clinical reporting language). Adapt to your service protocol. Not medical advice — the physician reviews, edits and signs.

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.