03 September 2024 : Review article
Ultrasound Imaging in Diagnosis and Management of Lower Limb Injuries: A Comprehensive Review
Krystian Maruszczak
1ABCDEF*, Maciej Kochman 1ACDEF, Tomasz Madej 2CDE, Piotr Gawda 3ADEG
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.945413
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e945413
Introduction
Muscle Structure and Ultrasonographic Imaging
US Imaging of Lower-Limb Muscle Injuries
Tendon Structure and Ultrasonographic Imaging
US Imaging of Lower-Limb Tendon Injuries
Ligament Structure and Ultrasonographic Imaging
US Imaging of Lower-Limb Ligament Injuries
US Imaging of Other Lower-Limb Injuries
Future Directions
Conclusions
References
Table 2 Common ligamentous injuries.
| Affected area | Normal appearance | Mechanism of injury | US findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trilaminar structure consisting of 2 hyperechoic layers separated by a hyperechoic zone | Valgus stress of the knee | An acute rupture is seen as a disruption of the usual bands, often accompanied by a significant hematoma. Partial rupture leads to ligament thickening. Chronic rupture is characterized by both thickening and disruption | |
| Complexes of 3 hyperechoic ligaments: the anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments and the calcaneofibular ligament | Inversion of the foot | A tear is marked by thickening, the absence of a fibrillar pattern, and discontinuity | |
| Hyperechoic deltoid ligament | Eversion of the foot | Injury to the ligament is identified by swelling, the absence of the typical fibrillar contour, and discontinuity |