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Methodology of muscle ultrasound
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Muscles have an extended length. The longest muscle can be more than 50 cm in length. Retraction of the proximal end of a torn muscle can be more than 10 cm. Therefore, for assessing muscle tissue, it is optimal to use the panoramic scanning mode, which allows you to assess the muscle along its entire length and take more accurate measurements.
A frequency of 5-7.5 MHz is optimal for examining almost all muscle groups, but for small superficial muscles it is recommended to use higher frequencies - 12-15 MHz.
The muscle examination technique involves finding the most painful area, which usually corresponds to the site of injury. It is important to examine the muscle attachment areas, the tendon-muscle junction, and muscle function during contraction and relaxation. The examination should begin with longitudinal scanning along the long axis of the muscle. The pathological area should be assessed during isometric contraction and relaxation in two mutually perpendicular planes, comparing with the contralateral side.