Musculoskeletal ultrasound "threatening" physical and rehabilitation medicine: A prime caution regarding foxes
Abstract
Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is becoming an increasingly popular imaging tool among physiatrists. In parallel with the use in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) clinics, the number of scientific publications by physiatrists on MSUS is also increasing.
Recently, the European Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study Group (EURO-MUSCULUS) and the Ultrasound Study Group in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (USPRM) published 19 important reasons to consolidate why the probe of US needs to become the "stethoscope," "extended hand," and "pen" of physiatrists.2 These recommendations mainly focused on the general advantages, specific conditions in PRM, as well as the superiority of MSUS in comparison to other imaging tools. However, in the hitherto literature, little attention has been drawn to the disadvantages or limitations of MSUS.
In other words, while "what it is" has been reported in details, there is limited data as regards "what it is not." Accordingly, in this paper, we aimed to highlight the need for training, competency and standardization as regards MSUS.