Musculoskeletal ultrasound in traumatic emergencies: what radiologists need to know
While conventional radiography (CR) and computed tomography (CT) remain diagnostic staples in emergency settings, ultrasound (US) is a critical tool offering a rapid, dynamic, and noninvasive alternative for acute musculoskeletal (MSK) pathologies assessment. Prompt identification of conditions such as unstable fractures, soft tissue or muscular hematomas, joint effusions, and tendon ruptures is essential to prevent or mitigate long-term patient morbidity. This review summarizes the role of US in the emergency department, providing a practical overview of targeted scanning techniques and key sonographic signs. Additionally, common diagnostic pitfalls and effective escalation pathways are discussed to streamline clinical decision-making and optimize timely patient management.
Authors
- Sandro Sironi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4469-5073)
- Pietro Andrea Bonaffini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5335-9429)
- Carmelo Messina (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7518-5773)
- Marco Porta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1833-6587)
- Clarissa Valle (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2478-8878)
- Alberto Aliprandi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8577-8433)
- Luca Maria Sconfienza (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0759-8431)
- Paolo Marra (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4935-8110)
- Giovanni Mauri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4726-2692)
- Lorenzo Spotorno
Institutions
- University of Milan (IT)
- Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII (IT)
- IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio (IT)
- University of Milano-Bicocca (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- La radiologia medica
- Published
- 2026-10-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-026-02275-0
- Primary Topic
- Ultrasound in Clinical Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Università degli Studi di Milano