Diagnostic paraspinal musculoskeletal ultrasonography

Abstract

Debate has developed with respect to the use of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound for inflammatory disorders of the nerve root or spinal facets. This discussion has shifted the focus from less controversial aspects of spinal diagnostic ultrasonography including measurement of spinal canal diameter, paraspinal muscle evaluation, and monitoring of intraoperative spinal decompression. This paper will review the literature with respect to the above, and present a supporting argument for the use of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasonography in the evaluation of paraspinal conditions involving ligamentous or muscular strain. A clinical study will be presented where images are correlated to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a case report will be presented.