title: Ultrasound-assisted musculoskeletal procedures: A practical overview of current literature.
abstract: Traditionally performed by a small group of highly trained specialists, bedside sonographic procedures involving the musculoskeletal system are often delayed despite the critical need for timely diagnosis and treatment. Due to this limitation, a need evolved for more portability and accessibility to allow performance of emergent musculoskeletal procedures by adequately trained non-radiology personnel. The emergence of ultrasound-assisted bedside techniques and increased availability of portable sonography provided such an opportunity in select clinical scenarios. This review summarizes the current literature describing common ultrasound-based musculoskeletal procedures. In-depth discussion of each ultrasound procedure including pertinent technical details, indications and contraindications is provided. Despite the limited amount of prospective, randomized data in this area, a substantial body of observational and retrospective evidence suggests potential benefits from the use of musculoskeletal bedside sonography.
authors.affiliation: Nelson A Royall, David P Bahner, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
authors.forename: Nelson A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Royall
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Farrin
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Bahner
authors.forename: Stanislaw Pa
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Stawicki