Tag Archives: Knee Ultrasound

Common Peroneal Nerve Schwannoma

Posted on by
Reply

Palpable mass on the lateral side of the popliteal fossa.

The mass is characteristically eccentric with respect to the affected nerve, and the nerve is displaced to the periphery of the mass. 

The ultrasound picture allows us to distinguish the internal structure of the lesion accurately and study the entire course of the nerve. 

The histologic architecture of the mass is with more myxoid material peripherally and more fibrous tissue centrally. 

The study with elastosonography shows the different structural characteristics of the various components of the mass, distinguishing between the “softer” mixoids and the “harder” fibrous ones.

My suggestion is always to combine MRI and ultrasound examinations to define these kinds of lesions better.

A Thermographic Evaluation of Patellar​ Tendon Partial Tear

Posted on by
1

about the thermographic evaluation of patellar tendon degeneration

“Many pathological processes in humans manifest themselves as local changes in heat production and also as changes in blood flow pattern at affected organs or tissues”. Vainer BG. FPA-based infrared thermography as applied to the study of cutaneous perspiration and stimulated a vascular response in humans. Phys Med Biol. 2005 Dec 7;50(23): R63–94. 

Since I met the human thermography I always use this kind of evaluation for diagnosis and monitoring of musculoskeletal diseases, together with all the other imaging modalities.

Today I show you the case of a young athlete practicing long jump, with a chronic patellar tendon tendinopathy and partial tear at its proximal attachment.

I always start with clinical examination and thermographic study.

termography-knee

Thermographic study of the painful right knee

termography knee normal

The thermographic evaluation of the healthy left knee shows a difference of 1,5°C less than the right one

Mri Patellar tendon Tendinopathy

Sagittal T1w – Fusion – Stir Mri of the same patient (0.3 Tesla)

I perform the MRI examination to have also the clear depiction of the cortical patellar bone; as you probably know in many similar cases a bone marrow edema is associated at the inferior pole of the patella.

The study is completed with the dynamic ultrasound exam, both in supine and orthostatic position.

The elastosonography evaluation shows less adaptive changes during the dynamic study, as is usually seen in these pathologic conditions.

I believe in integrated imaging study for musculoskeletal pathologies; thermal cameras are user-friendly for anyone is involved in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of these kinds of pathological conditions.