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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
Quantitative Musculoskeletal Imaging of the Pediatric Shoulder
Caleb M A Cordes1, Joshua M Leonardis, Jonathan Samet
1From the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (CMAC, JL, BAS); University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Applied Health Sciences, Urbana, Illinois (JL); Department of Medical Imaging, Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (JS); Shriners Children's Chicago, Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chicago, Illinois (SM); Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois (ALS); Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (BAS).
Insights
Quantitative imaging for pediatric shoulder conditions is advancing. This review explores current applications and future needs for improved diagnosis and care in children with shoulder pain and dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal imaging
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Quantitative imaging analysis
Background:
- Pediatric shoulder pain and dysfunction from acquired/congenital conditions are prevalent.
- Current objective, quantitative imaging measures for pediatric shoulders lag behind adult standards.
- Understanding pediatric musculoskeletal shoulder growth and development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review promising quantitative imaging applications for common pediatric shoulder pathologies.
- Discuss imaging considerations for pediatric shoulder growth and development.
- Identify gaps in current quantitative imaging for pediatric shoulder care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of quantitative imaging techniques.
- Focus on pediatric shoulder pathologies like brachial plexus birth palsy and recurrent shoulder instability.
- Analysis of imaging-related considerations for musculoskeletal growth.
Main Results:
- Quantitative imaging shows promise for specific pediatric shoulder conditions.
- Advances in imaging techniques and technology are needed.
- Current practices for pediatric shoulder quantitative imaging require further development.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative imaging offers potential for improved pediatric shoulder assessment.
- Addressing current gaps can enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
- Further research and technological integration are essential for pediatric musculoskeletal imaging.
Abstract:
Pediatric acquired and congenital conditions leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction are common. Objective, quantitative musculoskeletal imaging-based measures of shoulder health in children lag recent developments in adults. We review promising applications of quantitative imaging that tend to be available for common pediatric shoulder pathologies, especially brachial plexus birth palsy and recurrent shoulder instability, and imaging-related considerations of musculoskeletal growth and development of the shoulder. We highlight the status of quantitative imaging practices for the pediatric shoulder and highlight gaps where better care may be provided with advances in imaging technique and/or technology.
