Percutaneous ultrasound-guided ganglion fenestration in children: initial results

Common Ultrasound Applications for Pediatric Musculoskeletal Conditions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the use of ultrasound for diagnosis and management of common pediatric musculoskeletal conditions through a case-based approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic modality in the early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hips and can be used as early as 6 weeks of age when the ossific nucleus has not developed yet. Ultrasound is helpful in diagnosing traumatic injuries such as fractures and intramuscular hematomas, can visualize fracture healing at early stages, and can also be used to guide aspiration of hematomas that can help with decreasing pain and faster recovery. Ultrasound is superior to radiographs in evaluating joint effusions and soft tissue infections or masses and is better tolerated by children compared to other imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound is an easily accessible, affordable, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging modality that is well tolerated by children and their families. It can aid in the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including developmental, traumatic, and infectious etiologies, as well as in the evaluation of superficial soft tissue masses.

Pediatric Ganglions of the Hand and Wrist: A Review of Current Literature

The etiology, epidemiology, and treatment outcomes of ganglions in children have not been studied in depth. Most research has mainly focused on adults with this condition, with some research suggesting differing epidemiology and outcomes in the pediatric population. This review focuses on the existing literature on pediatric ganglions of the hand and wrist, highlighting 17 studies focused on prevalence and treatment outcomes. Within the pediatric population, epidemiology and outcomes differ depending on patient age. In children aged <10 years, cysts present on the volar aspect of the wrist and are generally amenable to observation, with spontaneous regression. For patients aged >10 years, ganglions resemble those in the adult population and present on the dorsal aspect of the wrist. Open surgical excision demonstrates a relatively low recurrence rate with minimal complications and is currently recommended for treatment.

Current updates in image-guided musculoskeletal interventions

Image-guided musculoskeletal interventions are frequently done in clinical practice. Even then, the literature regarding their effectiveness is relatively scarce. Image guidance adds value over the conventional landmark-based approach and should be preferred. We hereby try to list the commonly performed procedures along with the current practice guidelines regarding their clinical indications and periprocedural care.