Histopathology and high-resolution ultrasound imaging for peripheral nerve (injuries)

Ultrasound evaluation and grading of neuromuscular disease in lower extremities among diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical utility of ultrasound in evaluating and grading neuromuscular diseases in the lower extremities of patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 126 inpatients from the Department of Diabetes at Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, China, were recruited from June 2020 to December 2022. The cohort included 69 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN group) and 57 patients with T2DM but without DPN (non-DPN group). Additionally, 80 healthy controls were included. High-frequency ultrasound was used to scan the common peroneal, sural, and tibial nerves, measuring their transverse (D1) and anteroposterior (D2) diameters, and calculating the cross-sectional area (CSA). Changes in the internal echo of the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle, including maximum thickness and CSA, were also recorded. The DPN group was further subdivided based on disease duration to assess ultrasonic changes over time and the statistical significance of these variations.

RESULTS

Ultrasonic changes such as uneven internal echo reduction, ill-defined epineurial boundaries, and obscured cribriform structures were most prevalent in the DPN group. Significant differences in ultrasound parameters (D1, D2, CSA) were observed among the groups (all P<0.05), with the most pronounced changes in the DPN group. In patients with a disease duration of over 15 years, a significant increase in CSA of lower extremity nerves and a decrease in CSA of the EDB were noted compared to those in the 5-10 years subgroup (19.89±0.98 vs 19.00±0.94; 5.25±0.74 vs 5.93±0.94; all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High-frequency ultrasound provides a valuable imaging basis for diagnosing and monitoring DPN, demonstrating significant changes in nerve and muscle parameters among diabetic patients.

Myxofibrosarcoma involving the sciatic nerve: From ultrasonography to histopathology

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a unique soft tissue (fibroblastic) sarcoma, characterized by malignant with a locally infiltrative behavior. In this case image, we aimed to report an uncommon/challenging scenario of MFS involving the scatic nerve in which the potential contribution of ultrasound examination has been touched upon.

Cross-Sectional Area and Echogenicity Reference Values for Sonography of Peripheral Nerves in the Lithuanian Population

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to provide data of nerve sizes and echogenicity reference values of the Lithuanian population.

METHODS

High-resolution ultrasound was bilaterally performed according to the Ultrasound Pattern Sum Score and Neuropathy ultrasound protocols for healthy Lithuanian adults. Cross-sectional area (CSA) measurement and echogenicity were used as the main parameters for investigation. Echogenicity was evaluated using ImageJ, and nerves were categorized in classes according to echogenicity.

RESULTS

Of 125 subjects enrolled, 63 were males (mean age 47.57 years, range 25-78 years) and 62 were females (mean age 50.50 years, range 25-80 years). Reference values of nerve sizes and values of echogenicity as a fraction of black in percentage of cervical roots, upper and middle trunks of the brachial plexus and the following nerves: vagal, median, ulnar, radial, superficial radial, tibial, fibular, and sural in standard regions were established. Mild to moderate correlations were found between nerves CSA, echogenicity values and anthropometric measurements with the differences according to sex. Inter-rater (ICC 0.93; 95% CI 0.92-0.94) and intra-rater (ICC 0.94; 95% CI 0.93-0.95) reliability was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

Reference values of nerve size and echogenicity of Lithuanians were presented for the first time as a novel such kind of publication from the Baltic countries.

Assessment of the ulnar nerve stiffness during valgus stress of the elbow using shear wave elastography: an observational cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Identification of the relationship between valgus stress in the medial elbow and ulnar nerve strain during maximum external rotation of the shoulder is pivotal for the prevention and management of ulnar neuropathies. In this observational cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the changes in ulnar nerve stiffness under valgus stress at different nerve entrapment sites.

METHODS

Twenty healthy baseball players participated in the study. The stiffness of the ulnar nerve on the throwing side was assessed at two sites, the arcade of Struthers and the Osborne's ligament, at 0°, 60°, and 90° flexion by shear wave elastography using a 10-MHz linear transducer. The arcade of Struthers was defined as the proximal site and the Osborne's ligament as the distal site. Valgus stress was applied to the medial elbow at 0, 30, 50, and 70 N using a Telos stress device, and the stiffness caused by valgus stress was measured.

RESULTS

At all elbow flexion angles, the stiffness of the ulnar nerve under 70 N valgus stress was higher than that under 30 N stress. The stiffness of the ulnar nerve at the proximal site was significantly higher than that at the distal site.

CONCLUSION

Valgus stress increases ulnar nerve stiffness. In addition, the stiffness of the proximal site increases.

Optimal examination for traumatic nerve/muscle injuries in earthquake survivors: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Physiatrists are facing with survivors from disasters in both the acute and chronic phases of muscle and nerve injuries. Similar to many other clinical conditions, neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound can play a key role in the management of such cases (with various muscle/nerve injuries) as well. Accordingly, in this article, a recent single-center experience after the Turkey-Syria earthquake will be rendered.

METHODS

Ultrasound examinations were performed for various nerve/muscle lesions in 52 earthquake victims referred from different cities. Demographic features, type of injuries, and applied treatment procedures as well as detailed ultrasonographic findings are illustrated.

RESULTS

Of the 52 patients, 19 had incomplete peripheral nerve lesions of the brachial plexus (n=4), lumbosacral plexus (n=1), and upper and lower limbs (n=14).

CONCLUSION

The ultrasonographic approach during disaster relief is paramount as regards subacute and chronic phases of rehabilitation. Considering technological advances (e.g., portable machines), the use of on-site ultrasound examination in the (very) early phases of disaster response also needs to be on the agenda of medical personnel.

Ultrasonographic Contrast and Therapeutic Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide-Responsive Nanoparticles in a Rat Model with Sciatic Neuritis

Purpose

Peripheral nerve damage lacks an appropriate diagnosis consistent with the patient's symptoms, despite expensive magnetic resonance imaging or electrodiagnostic assessments, which cause discomfort. Ultrasonography is valuable for diagnosing and treating nerve lesions; however, it is unsuitable for detecting small lesions. Poly(vanillin-oxalate) (PVO) nanoparticles are prepared from vanillin, a phytochemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, PVO nanoparticles were cleaved by H2O2 to release vanillin, exert therapeutic efficacy, and generate CO2 to increase ultrasound contrast. However, the role of PVO nanoparticles in peripheral nerve lesion models is still unknown. Herein, we aimed to determine whether PVO nanoparticles can function as contrast and therapeutic agents for nerve lesions.

Methods

To induce sciatic neuritis, rats were administered a perineural injection of carrageenan using a nerve stimulator under ultrasonographic guidance, and PVO nanoparticles were injected perineurally to evaluate ultrasonographic contrast and therapeutic effects. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ie, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2.

Results

In the rat model of sciatic neuritis, PVO nanoparticles generated CO2 bubbles to increase ultrasonographic contrast, and a single perineural injection of PVO nanoparticles suppressed the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2, reduced the expression of F4/80, and increased the expression of GAP43.

Conclusion

The results of the current study suggest that PVO nanoparticles could be developed as ultrasonographic contrast agents and therapeutic agents for nerve lesions.

Typical CIDP, distal variant CIDP, and anti-MAG antibody neuropathy: An ultra-high frequency ultrasound comparison of nerve structure

To date, little is known about the usefulness of ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHF-US, 50-70 MHz) in clinical practice for the diagnosis of dysimmune neuropathies. We present a prospective study aimed at comparing UHF-US alterations of nerves and fascicles in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), distal CIDP (d-CIDP) and anti-MAG neuropathy and their relationships with clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDX) features. 28 patients were included (twelve CIDP, 6 d-CIDP and 10 anti-MAG) and ten healthy controls. Each patient underwent neurological examination, EDX and UHF-US study of median and ulnar nerves bilaterally. UHF-US was reliable in differentiating immune neuropathies from controls when using mean and/or segmental nerve and/or fascicle cross-sectional area (CSA); furthermore, fascicle ratio (fascicle/nerve CSA) was a reliable factor for differentiating d-CIDP from other types of polyneuropathies. The fascicle CSA appears to be more increased in CIDP and its variant than in anti-MAG neuropathy. UHF-US offers information beyond simple nerve CSA and allows for a better characterization of the different forms of dysimmune neuropathies.

Early post-surgical rehabilitation and functional outcomes of a traumatic ulnar nerve injury: a pediatric case report

Background

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) of the upper limb are very common events within the pediatric population, especially following soft tissue trauma and bone fractures. Symptoms of brachial plexus nerve injuries can differ considerably depending on the site and severity of injury. Compared to median and radial nerves, the ulnar nerve (UN) is the most frequently and severely injured nerve of the upper extremity. Indeed, due to its peculiar anatomical path, the UN is known to be particularly vulnerable to traumatic injuries, which result in pain and substantial motor and sensory disabilities of the forearm and hand. Therefore, timely and appropriate postoperative management of UN lesions is crucial to avoid permanent sensorymotor deficits and claw hand deformities leading to lifelong impairments. Nevertheless, the literature regarding the rehabilitation following PNIs is limited and lacks clear evidence regarding a solid treatment algorithm for the management of UN lesions that ensures full functional recovery.

Case presentation

The patient is a 11-year-old child who experienced left-hand pain, stiffness, and disability secondary to a domestic accident. The traumatic UN lesion occurred about 8 cm proximal to Guyon's canal and it was surgically treated with termino-terminal (end-to-end) neurorrhaphy. One month after surgery, the patient underwent multimodal rehabilitative protocol and both subjective and functional measurements were recorded at baseline (T0) and at 3- (T1) and 5-month (T2) follow-up. At the end of the rehabilitation protocol, the patient achieved substantial reduction in pain and improvement in quality of life. Of considerable interest, the patient regained a complete functional recovery with satisfactory handgrip and pinch functions in addition with a decrease of disability in activities of daily living.

Conclusion

A timely and intensive rehabilitative intervention done by qualified hand therapist with previous training in the rehabilitation of upper limb neuromuscular disorders is pivotal to achieve a stable and optimal functional recovery of the hand, while preventing the onset of deformities, in patients with peripheral nerve injuries of the upper limb.

B-Mode ultrasound imaging in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome: an auxiliary diagnostic tool for hand surgeons

Objective

The purpose of this article is to explore the effectiveness of B-Mode ultrasound as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It aims to demonstrate the advantages of B-Mode ultrasound, including its non-invasive nature and its ability to provide real-time imaging, in localizing nerve compression and predicting postoperative outcomes.

Methods

The study included 40 patients who were subjected to preoperative B-ultrasonography. The approach focused on evaluating the consistency of B-Mode ultrasound results with intraoperative findings. It also assessed the importance of employing standardized imaging techniques and emphasized the need for cooperation between hand surgeons and sonographers for accurate diagnosis.

Results

B-Mode ultrasound findings in the study were consistent with intraoperative observations, indicating its reliability. Additionally, B-Mode ultrasound was able to identify other anatomical abnormalities within the carpal canal that may contribute to CTS symptoms, such as persistent median arteries, median nerve bifurcation, and space-occupying lesions like cysts and tumors.

Conclusion

The article concludes that B-Mode ultrasound should be considered a valuable supplementary diagnostic tool for CTS, particularly in instances where clinical signs and electrophysiological studies do not offer clear results. However, it should not replace established diagnostic methods for CTS.

Gunshot-related nerve injuries of the upper extremities: clinical, electromyographic, and ultrasound features in 22 patients

Objectives

Gunshot wounds of the upper extremities may cause permanent neurovascular injuries, leading to significant morbidity, chronic pain, functional loss, and disability. While there are many reports on the incidence and intraoperative findings in gunshot-related nerve injuries (GSNI) sustained during wars, there is a paucity of details pertaining to GSNI of the upper extremities in civilians. The goal of this paper is to provide the clinical, electrodiagnostic (EDX), and ultrasound (US) findings in 22 patients with GSNI of the upper extremities.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients referred for EDX studies to evaluate the presence of nerve injury after sustaining GSWs to the upper extremities. All patients underwent EDX studies, and 16 patients had US evaluations. Numerous metrics were documented including presenting symptoms, neurological abnormalities, EDX findings, and US features.

Results

The forearm was the most frequent location of injury (8 [36%] patients). The ulnar nerve was the most common injured nerve (10 [45%] patients), followed by the brachial plexus (7 [32%] patients). All patients complained of muscle weakness; the most frequently affected muscles were the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) (14 [64%] patients) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) (11 [50%] patients). Muscle atrophy was noted in 19 (86%) patients, 15 of whom had atrophy of the FDI. Axonotmesis was the type of nerve injury in all patients based on EDX studies. Of the 16 patients who underwent US studies, a neuroma in continuity was noted in 4 (25%) patients and neurotmesis in 1 (6.2%) patient. Eleven (69%) patients had enlarged and/or hypoechoic nerves.

Conclusions

Axonotmesis of the ulnar nerve was the most common finding among patients sustaining gunshot injuries to the upper extremities. EDX and US studies provide valuable insight into the underlying pathophysiology and guidance for management of patients with GSNI of the upper extremities.

Ultrasound of the Ulnar Nerve: A Pictorial Review: Part 1: Normal Ultrasound Findings

This is the first of a two-part article in which we focus on the ultrasound (US) appearance of the normal ulnar nerve (UN) and its main branches. The detailed US anatomy of the UN course is presented with high-resolution US images obtained with the latest-generation US machines and transducers.

Quantitative evaluation of rat sciatic nerve degeneration using high-frequency ultrasound

In this study, we evaluated the utility of using high-frequency ultrasound to non-invasively track the degenerative process in a rat model of peripheral nerve injury. Primary analyses explored spatial and temporal changes in quantitative backscatter coefficient (BSC) spectrum-based outcomes and B-mode textural outcomes, using gray level co-occurrence matrices (GLCMs), during the progressive transition from acute to chronic injury. As secondary analyses, correlations among GLCM and BSC spectrum-based parameters were evaluated, and immunohistochemistry were used to suggest a structural basis for ultrasound outcomes. Both mean BSC spectrum-based and mean GLCM-based measures exhibited significant spatial differences across presurgical and 1-month/2-month time points, distal stumps enclosed proximity to the injury site being particularly affected. The two sets of parameters sensitively detected peripheral nerve degeneration at 1-month and 2-month post-injury, with area under the receiver operating charactersitic curve > 0.8 for most parameters. The results also indicated that the many BSC spectrum-based and GLCM-based parameters significantly correlate with each other, and suggested a common structural basis for a diverse set of quantitative ultrasound parameters. The findings of this study suggest that BSC spectrum-based and GLCM-based analysis are promising non-invasive techniques for diagnosing peripheral nerve degeneration.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve (SN) is the biggest nerve in the human body and innervates a large skin surface of the lower limb and several muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. It originates from the ventral rami of spinal nerves L4 through S3 and contains fibers from both the posterior and anterior divisions of the lumbosacral plexus. After leaving the neural foramina, the nerve roots merge with each other forming a single peripheral nerve that travels within the pelvis and thigh. Non-discogenic pathologies of the SN are largely underdiagnosed entities due to nonspecific clinical tests and poorly described imaging findings. Likewise, to the best of our knowledge, a step-by-step ultrasound protocol to assess the SN is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, the aim of the present manuscript is to describe the normal sono-anatomy of the SN from the greater sciatic foramen to the proximal thigh proposing a standardized and simple sonographic protocol. Then, based on the clinical experience of the authors, a few tips and tricks have been reported to avoid misinterpretation of confounding sonographic findings. Last but not least, we report some common pathological conditions encountered in daily practice with the main purpose of making physicians more confident regarding the sonographic "navigation" of a complex anatomical site and optimizing the diagnosis and management of non-discogenic neuropathies of the SN.

Imaging diagnosis in peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) can be caused by various factors, ranging from penetrating injury to compression, stretch and ischemia, and can result in a range of clinical manifestations. Therapeutic interventions can vary depending on the severity, site, and cause of the injury. Imaging plays a crucial role in the precise orientation and planning of surgical interventions, as well as in monitoring the progression of the injury and evaluating treatment outcomes. PNIs can be categorized based on severity into neurapraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis. While PNIs are more common in upper limbs, the localization of the injured site can be challenging. Currently, a variety of imaging modalities including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been applied in detection and diagnosis of PNIs, and the imaging efficiency and accuracy many vary based on the nature of injuries and severity. This article provides an overview of the causes, severity, and clinical manifestations of PNIs and highlights the role of imaging in their management.

Ultrasound imaging of the axilla

Axilla is a pyramidal-in-shape "virtual cavity" housing multiple anatomical structures and connecting the upper limb with the trunk. To the best of our knowledge, in the pertinent literature, a detailed sonographic protocol to comprehensively assess the axillary region in daily practice is lacking. In this sense, the authors have briefly described the anatomical architecture of the axilla-also using cadaveric specimens-to propose a layer-by-layer sonographic approach to this challenging district. The most common sonographic pathological findings-for each and every anatomical compartment of the axilla-have been accurately reported and compared with the corresponding histopathological features. This ultrasound approach could be considered a ready-to-use educational guidance for the assessment of the axillary region. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Axilla is a pyramidal-in-shape "virtual cavity" housing multiple anatomical structures and connecting the upper limb with the trunk. The aim of this review article was to describe the anatomical architecture of the axilla, also using cadaveric specimens, in order to propose a layer-by-layer sonographic approach to this challenging district.

Ultrasound Imaging and Guidance for Cervical Myofascial Pain: A Narrative Review

Cervical myofascial pain is a very common clinical condition in the daily practice of musculoskeletal physicians. Physical examination is currently the cornerstone for evaluating the cervical muscles and identifying the eventual presence of myofascial trigger points. Herein, the role of ultrasound assessment in precisely localizing them is progressively mounting in the pertinent literature. Moreover, using ultrasound, not only the muscle tissue but also the fascial and neural elements can be accurately located/evaluated. Indeed, several potential pain generators, in addition to paraspinal muscles, can be involved in the clinical scenario of cervical myofascial pain syndrome. In this article, the authors extensively reviewed the sonographic approach for cervical myofascial pain in order to better diagnose or guide different procedures that can be performed in the clinical practice of musculoskeletal physicians.

Diagnostic performance of preoperative ultrasound for traumatic brachial plexus root injury: A comparison study with an electrophysiology study

Purpose

Accurate preoperative assessment for traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI) is critical for clinicians to establish a treatment plan. The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of preoperative ultrasound (US) through comparison with an electrophysiology study (EPS) in the assessment of traumatic brachial plexus (BP) root injury.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective study in patients with traumatic BPI who had preoperative US and EPS, excluding obstetric palsy and other nontraumatic neuropathies. US examination was performed on an EPIQ 5 color Doppler equipment. EPS was performed on a Keypoint 9033A07 Electromyograph/Evoked Potentials Equipment, testing electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP). Each BP root of all patients was assessed by US and EPS as completely injured or incompletely injured, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated based on the correlation with intraoperative findings. The accuracy of US and EPS were compared using the McNemar test. The added benefit of US was evaluated by comparing the sensitivity and specificity between the combined tests with EPS using the McNemar test.

Results

This study included 49 patients with traumatic BPI who underwent BP surgeries from October 2018 to September 2022. Surgical exploration confirmed 89 completely injured BP roots in 28 patients. US correctly detected 80 completely injured BP roots (sensitivity, 0.899; specificity, 0.981; PPV, 0.964; NPV, 0.944; accuracy, 0.951). EPS correctly detected 75 completely injured BP roots (sensitivity, 0.843; specificity, 0.929; PPV, 0.872; NPV, 0.912; accuracy, 0.898). US showed significantly higher accuracy than EPS (p = 0.03). When combining US and EPS for completely injured BP root detection, the sensitivity of the inclusive combination (0.966) was significantly higher than EPS alone (p = 0.000977), and the specificity of the exclusive combination (1.000) was significantly higher than EPS alone (p = 0.000977).

Conclusion

Preoperative US is an effective diagnostic tool in the assessment of traumatic BP root injury. US had higher accuracy than EPS in this study. Sensitivity and specificity were significantly higher than EPS when US was combined with EPS.

The role of ultrasound-guided perineural injection of the tibial nerve with a sub-anesthetic dosage of lidocaine for the diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome

Background

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) involves entrapment of the tibial nerve at the medial ankle beneath the flexor retinaculum and its branches, the medial and lateral plantar nerves, as they course through the porta pedis formed by the deep fascia of the abductor hallucis muscle. TTS is likely underdiagnosed, because diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and history of present illness. The ultrasound-guided lidocaine infiltration test (USLIT) is a simple approach that may aid in the diagnosis of TTS and predict the response to neurolysis of the tibial nerve and its branches. Traditional electrophysiological testing cannot confirm the diagnosis and only adds to other findings.

Methods

We performed a prospective study of 61 patients (23 men and 38 women) with a mean age of 51 (29-78) years who were diagnosed with idiopathic TTS using the ultrasound guided near-nerve needle sensory technique (USG-NNNS). Patients subsequently underwent USLIT of the tibial nerve to assess the effect on pain reduction and neurophysiological changes.

Results

USLIT led to an improvement in symptoms and nerve conduction velocity. The objective improvement in nerve conduction velocity can be used to document the pre-operative functional capacity of the nerve. USLIT may also be used as a possible quantitative indicator of whether the nerve has the potential to improve in neurophysiological terms and ultimately inform prognosis after surgical decompression.

Conclusion

USLIT is a simple technique with potential predictive value that can help the clinician to confirm the diagnosis of TTS before surgical decompression.

Ultrasound appearance of regenerative peripheral nerve interface with clinical correlation

OBJECTIVE

To describe the ultrasound (US) appearance of regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) in humans, and correlate clinically and with histologic findings from rat RPNI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients (≥ 18 years) who had undergone RPNI surgery within our institution between the dates of 3/2018 and 9/2019 were reviewed. A total of 21 patients (15 male, 6 female, age 21-82 years) with technically adequate US studies of RPNIs were reviewed. Clinical notes were reviewed for the presence of persistent pain after RPNI surgery. Histologic specimens of RPNIs in a rat model from prior studies were compared with the US findings noted in this study.

RESULTS

There was a variable appearance to the RPNIs including focal changes involving the distal nerve, nerve-muscle graft junction, and area of the distal sutures. The muscle grafts varied in thickness with accompanying variable echogenic changes. No interval change was noted on follow-up US studies. Diffuse hypoechoic swelling with loss of the fascicular structure of the nerve within the RPNI and focal hypoechoic changes at the nerve-muscle graft junction were associated with clinical outcomes. US findings corresponded to histologic findings in the rat RPNI.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound imaging can demonstrate various morphologic changes involving the nerve, muscle, and interface between these two biological components of RPNIs. These changes correspond to expected degenerative and regenerative processes following nerve resection and muscle reinnervation and should not be misconstrued as pathologic in all cases. N5 and N1 morphologic type changes of the RPNI were found to be associated with symptoms.

Ultrasound imaging of bone fractures

Ultrasound imaging is widely used to evaluate the neuromusculoskeletal system, and recently, a particular interest is mounting in assessing the bone tissue and fractures. Ultrasound can be considered a valuable diagnostic tool to perform a first-line evaluation of bone tissue, especially in particular settings without direct access to X-ray imaging and/or in emergency conditions. Moreover, different healing phases of bone fractures can be accurately assessed by combining the B-mode modality and (high-sensitive) color/power Doppler optimizing the management of patients-e.g., planning of progressive loads and rehabilitation procedures. In this review, we summarized the role of ultrasound imaging in the management of bone fractures and described the most common sonographic signs encountered in the daily practice by assessing different types of bone fractures and the progressive phases of the healing process.