To illustrate the utility of the ultrasound in the evaluation of acute musculoskeletal pathology. To review the ultrasound findings in different types of musculoskeletal paathology.

The musculoskeletal and soft tissue pathology represent an important percentage of visits to the emergency department. Ultrasound findings can often answer a focused clinical question, allowing in many cases, to select the best way of treatment for patients with acute musculoskeletal pathology in a secure way. It is an efficient and fast technique that stands out as a widely available and inexpensive tool allowing real time study of musculoskeletal pathology.

COMMON ULTRASOUND FINDINGS IN MUSCULOSKELETAL PATHOLOGY ACHILLES TENDON Although Achilles tendon (AT) is the strongest tendon in the human body, it is among the most frequently injured ankle tendon. A relative avascular zone, located 2-6 cms from the calcaneal insertion, is typically the site of pathologic findings, followed by the musculotendinous junction. Pathology can be acute or chronic and range from mild peritenonitis to full-thickness tendon rupture. AT conditions are common and often come to clinical attention as acute lesions. ANATOMY Achilles tendon (AT) extends...

Ultrasonography has many benefits in the initial evaluation of different musculoskeletal and soft tissue lesions. With it, radiologist can make an approximation to the nature of different pathology (traumatic, inflammatory or infectious), and allows to perform diagnostic punctures if necessary. Ultrasound findings give important information that helps the clinical doctor or orthopedic surgeon to define surgical or conservative therapeutic plan. In some cases, sonographic findings can be conclusive, avoiding more expensive and time consuming techniques, like MRI or CT. Extensive knowledge of the different anatomical...

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