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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice2016; 46(3); 355-v; doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.12.001

Ultrasound Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a rapidly growing field within veterinary medicine. Ultrasound for musculoskeletal disorders has been commonly used in equine and human medicine and is becoming more commonly performed in small animal patients due to the increase in the recognition of soft tissue injuries. Ultrasound is widely available, cost-effective, but technically difficult to learn. Advantages of musculoskeletal ultrasound are the opposite limb is commonly used for comparison to evaluate symmetry of the tendinous structures and the ease of repeat examinations to assess healing. The article discusses the major areas of shoulder, stifle, iliopsoas, gastrocnemius, and musculoskeletal basics.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2016-02-02 PubMed ID: 26847413DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.12.001Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The article discusses the growing application of ultrasound in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders in veterinary medicine, focusing on areas like the shoulder, stifle, iliopsoas, and gastrocnemius. The process, despite being technically complex to learn, offers cost-effectiveness and the capability for easy repeated examinations.

Use of Ultrasound in Veterinary Medicine

  • The article’s primary focus is on the expanding application of ultrasound imaging for musculoskeletal disorders in veterinary medicine. This technique is gaining popularity in equine and small animal treatments owing to the rising recognition of soft tissue injuries.
  • Ultrasound imaging allows veterinary professionals to examine the soft tissues involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints of animals in a non-invasive manner.
  • One key factor contributing to the rising use of ultrasound in small animal medicine is its cost-effectiveness paired with a growing awareness of soft tissue injuries in animals.

The Advantages of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

  • As the paper describes, a significant advantage of musculoskeletal ultrasound is that the asymptomatic limb can be used as a comparative measure. This helps in understanding the symmetry of tendinous structures and can grant valuable insights for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
  • Another crucial advantage that consolidates its importance in veterinary practice is the capability to conduct repeat examinations. These enable the monitoring of healing processes and prompt any necessary adjustments in the treatment plan.

Technicality and Training Aspect

  • Despite its increasing usage, the article notes that learning to operate the ultrasound for musculoskeletal imaging is technically demanding, suggesting that there is a steep learning curve involved.
  • However, with proper training, this technique can be a valuable tool in a veterinary practitioner’s arsenal. Continued education and practice are vital for professionals in this field to enhance their skills and continue providing the best care for their animal patients.

Key Areas of Ultrasound Application

  • Finally, the article discusses the utilization of ultrasound imaging in the major areas of the musculoskeletal system of animals, which include the shoulder, stifle, iliopsoas, and gastrocnemius.
  • Having detailed knowledge about these areas would guide the application of ultrasound and enhance the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Cook CR. (2016). Ultrasound Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 46(3), 355-v. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.12.001

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
ISSN: 1878-1306
NlmUniqueID: 7809942
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 3
Pages: 355-v
PII: S0195-5616(15)00178-3

Researcher Affiliations

Cook, Cristi R
  • Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, Veterinary Health Center, University of Missouri, 1600 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65201, USA. Electronic address: CookCR@Missouri.edu.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Cats
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dogs
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / veterinary
  • Musculoskeletal System / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 26 times.
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