Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2020; 24(04): 367-374
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709720
Review Article

Quantitative Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Salvatore Gitto
1   Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
,
Carmelo Messina
1   Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
2   IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
,
Nicoló Vitale
3   Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università Degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Domenico Albano
2   IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
4   Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
,
Luca Maria Sconfienza
1   Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
2   IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Ultrasound (US) imaging plays a crucial role in the assessment of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Several quantitative tools are offered by US systems and add information to conventional US imaging. This article reviews the quantitative US imaging tools currently available in MSK radiology, specifically focusing on the evaluation of elasticity with shear-wave elastography, perfusion with contrast-enhanced US and noncontrast superb microvascular imaging, and bone and muscle mass with quantitative US methods. Some of them are well established and already of clinical value, such as elasticity and contrast-enhanced perfusion assessment in muscles and tendons. MSK radiologists should be aware of the potential of quantitative US tools and take advantage of their use in everyday practice, both for clinical and research purposes.



Publication History

Article published online:
29 September 2020

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