Ultrasound in Sports Injuries

Utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound, in particular for sports medicine, has dramatically increased in recent years. Ultrasound is an important adjunct tool to physical examination and other imaging methods in the evaluation and management of the injured athlete. It offers unique advantages in specific clinical scenarios. Dedicated training and a standardized scanning technique are important to overcome the inherent operator dependence and avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Ultrasound guidance can also improve accuracy in targeted percutaneous injection therapies. This article reviews the general ultrasound appearance of muscle, tendon, ligament, and nerve abnormalities in the athlete with a focus on sport-specific injuries.