Learning objectives
The diagnosis efficiency of high resolution ultrasound (US) is now admitted in a large variety of musculoskeletal diseases.
The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate through our experience the diagnostic value of this imaging modality in the assessment of bone tumours.
Background
Due to the physical limitations,
cortical bone constitutes a barrier to ultrasound transmission.
However,
juxta-cortical and intra-osseous tumours with thinned or interrupted cortex remain accessible to ultrasound exploration.
When tumours are accessible to ultra-sounds,
High resolution US allows:
¤ Distinction between liquid and solid tumour content
¤ Diagnosis of complicated osteochondromas (thickening of the of the cartilaginous cap)
¤ Assessment of tumour echo-texture
¤ Post-operative follow up
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Thanks to the development of new ultrasound machines,
easy access,
the innocuous character and low cost,
ultrasound for bone tumours may be a good choice in association to the rest of the imaging techniques.
In this context,
ultrasound can help in,
at least,
the following four areas.
- DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOLID AND LIQUID TUMOR CONTENT:
A liquid content of a tumour is easily identifiable with High resolution US coupled to Colour Doppler.
Cystic tumours as well as ganglion bone cysts,
can be diagnosed with a...
Conclusion
High resolution ultrasound,
coupled to the other imaging techniques,
is useful in the diagnosis and the follow up of juxta-cortical and intra-osseous tumours with thinned or interrupted cortex.
It allows a good assessment of tumour echo-texture.
The use of Colour Doppler shows tumour vascular pattern.
References
Experience of the KASSAB Orthopedic Institute,
Ksar Said,
Tunisia