Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures in the musculoskeletal system

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) has gained importance in musculoskeletal imaging. One of the reasons is that it is the best technique to guide interventional procedures. These procedures have grown unstoppably. A recent review found more than 80 different procedures, the vast majority with US guidance. Shoulder pain treatments were the first introduced. They include treatment of calcific tendinitis, infiltrations of bursa and rotator cuff, joint injections, and nerve blocks. Tendons and fasciae are also targets of these procedures, including infiltrations, several treatments for tendinosis and fasciitis, trigger finger and palmar fibromatosis treatment. Musculoskeletal cysts (ganglions and Baker´s) and fluid collections can also be treated with ultrasound-guided techniques, as well as conditions at joints and nerves. Finally, foreign bodies can be removed also using US. This article reviews these applications. The list of procedures cannot be exhaustive, given the large number of procedures and their complexity, but it will serve to give a glimpse of how these techniques can solve specific musculoskeletal problems.