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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Integrating Mechanical and Biological Analysis in Tendinopathy Research
Published on: March 1, 2024
US of Acute Tendon Tears.
Lisa M Billone1, Sarah J Allred1, Dyan V Flores1
1From the Department of Diagnostic Services, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton General Hospital, 237 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8L 2X2 (L.M.B., S.J.A.); Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Physics, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (D.V.F.); and Department of Medical Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (D.V.F.).
Ultrasound (US) excels in diagnosing acute tendon injuries, offering superior sensitivity and specificity over physical exams. It guides prompt treatment by detailing injury extent and differentiating mimics, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
- Orthopedic Emergencies
Background:
- Acute tendon injuries present diagnostic challenges due to subtle clinical signs.
- Physical examination alone may lack the sensitivity and specificity for accurate diagnosis.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment selection and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the advantages of ultrasound (US) in evaluating acute tendon injuries.
- To demonstrate how US aids in prompt diagnosis and treatment planning for tendon injuries.
- To review US techniques and findings for acute tendon injuries.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomic features, US techniques, and imaging findings for acute tendon injuries.
- Emphasis on US's role in the acute or emergent setting.
- Comparison of US sensitivity and specificity against physical examination.
Main Results:
- US is more sensitive and specific than physical examination for tendon injuries.
- US identifies injury site, extent, and retraction, influencing treatment decisions (e.g., pectoralis major, distal biceps tears).
- US differentiates between similar-presenting conditions like soleus and gastrocnemius strains and rules out non-musculoskeletal mimics.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound is an effective tool for appraising acute tendon injuries at the bedside.
- US facilitates prompt diagnosis, accurate treatment selection, and differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal abnormalities.
- Detailed US reporting aids in timely and appropriate management of acute tendon injuries.
