Applications of Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography in Pediatric Patients

Ultrasonography is an excellent adjunct to other musculoskeletal imaging tools utilized in the pediatric population and in some instances offers advantages over CT and MRI. It permits dynamic examination of anatomic structures and assists in guiding minimally invasive procedures. In the lower extremity, ultrasonography assists in screening for such disorders as developmental dysplasia of the hip and in detecting slipped capital femoral epiphysis and femoral acetabular impingement. In the neonatal spine, ultrasonography can identify unossified vertebral arches. Among other applications in the upper extremity, ultrasonography may be used in the evaluation and examination of peripheral nerve injuries and is a preferred modality for imaging the shoulder in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy. It is also considered an optimal adjunct for administration of botulinum toxin-A in children with cerebral palsy. The portability, relative low cost, lack of radiation, and absence of known contraindications enhances the utility of ultrasonography in pediatric orthopaedics.