Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound.

US is particularly well suited to examination of the pediatric musculoskeletal system, as an exquisite depiction of the immature skeleton with large amounts of cartilaginous bone can be obtained in a well-tolerated and noninvasive way without using ionizing radiation or sedation. Although US has been widely used in the diagnosis of hip disorders in children, many other applications for US in the pediatric musculoskeletal system have been developed (Keller 2005). More than other imaging techniques, US is ideally suited to the evaluation of the soft-tissue structures, including tendons and ligaments, joints and muscles. In this chapter, we will review the use of US in developmental dysplasia and painful hip and will also describe its use in a variety of other musculoskeletal applications, including congenital, inflammatory and traumatic abnormalities. Spine disorders are not included in this chapter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]