Avances técnicos aplicados a la ecografía musculoesquelética de la lesión deportiva

Resumen

Methods: Two high-definition portable ultrasound devices (U-A and U-B) were compared. One of these devices (UB) includes harmonic imaging, real-time compound ultrasound imaging, panoramic view, 3D and virtual convex imaging. Five types of lesions were compared: muscle contusions, muscle strain, patellar tendinosis, calcific patellar tendinosis, and partial rupture of the internal lateral ligament of the knee. The evaluation criteria were echogenicity, lesion size, appearance, form, borders, and overall visualization. Results: Muscle contusion: visualization of anechoic and hypoechoic areas was better with U-B. Muscle strain: U-B was able to show an area of hypoechogenicity in a rupture 4 weeks after the lesion occurred, as well as blood vessels in the area. Patellar tendinosis: U-B reduced the anisotropic effect and improved definition of the lesion and its borders. Calcific patellar tendinosis: the 3D system of the U-B device allowed better evaluation of the calcification pattern. Partial rupture of the internal lateral ligament of the knee: with U-B, fibrous repair tissue was identified in the deep fasciculus of the ligament. Conclusions: The new systems integrated into portable ultrasound devices improve visualization of injured tissue. In muscle lesions, definition of areas of bleeding and their contents is improved. In torn muscles, visualization of the injury and hypervascularization is prolonged. In tendon injuries, the size of the lesion and the borders of tendon degeneration are better delineated. The 3D system is able to define calcific deposits inside the tendon fibers with high precision. Scar areas can be seen in ligament lesions.