A problem-based approach in musculoskeletal ultrasonography: heel pain in adults

Abstract

Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography (US) has unique advantages such as excellent spatial resolution for superficial structures, dynamic capability, direct correlation and provocation of the symptom. In this regard, US is increasingly used to evaluate problems in small joints such as foot and ankle. However, it is almost impossible to evaluate every single anatomic structure within a limited time.Therefore, US examination can be a faster and more efficient one when the radiologists know where to look and image the patient with typical symptoms. In this review, common etiologies of heel pain will be discussed in a problem-based manner. Knowing the common pain sources and being familiar with their US findings will help the radiologist to perform an accurate and effective US examination.

Foot pain in children and adolescents: a problem-based approach in musculoskeletal ultrasonography

“…A US examination is usually performed with the patient lying on the bed in a prone position with the patient’s feet hanging over the edge of the bed [ 16 ].…”

“…For assessing the medial heel, it is recommended that the patient be seated or lying supine, with the hip and knee flexed in the frog-leg position [ 16 ].…”

How to perform Baxter’s nerve blockage easily by ultrasound in chronic heel pain: Four simple steps

“…When planning the injection site, it is important to consider that injecting into the deeper layers of the plantar fascia may be a more effective treatment. 3 Baxter's neuropathy is a condition characterised by entrapment or compression of Baxter's nerve, which is the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (LPN). This nerve provides sensory innervation to the heel area.…”

“…When planning the injection site, it is important to consider that injecting into the deeper layers of the plantar fascia may be a more effective treatment. 3…”

Minimizing risk of iatrogenic nerve injury during peroneus longus tendon autograft harvest: a cadaveric study at different ankle or knee positions

“…Investigation on how to position the ankle to minimize iatrogenic injury, especially to the sural nerve, during PLT autograft harvest, should be performed. Furthermore, these previous studies were based on cadaveric specimen dissection and measurement with rulers, which may disrupt the anatomical relationships of structures of interest, a risk that could be minimized by use of less invasive sonographic visualization of the nerves [6, 26] and tendons [16, 27].…”