Future of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

In this article, we review the recent updates in musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US). The progressive development in ultrasound scanners including both hard- and softwares has already been reflected in its ability to diagnose different MSK diseases efficiently. We discuss here the recent applications of conventional US techniques as peripheral nerve imaging and image-guided therapies. The role of color Doppler US and contrast-enhanced US is also discussed with its impact especially in soft tissue tumors and small joint arthropathies. Sonoelastography as a new and promising technique is discussed in detail in this review. It may provide better and more robust diagnosis for many MSK diseases and may replace some of the relatively old routine techniques applied nowadays. In the end, 3D imaging and image fusion are discussed with their impact in image guidance of therapy as well as their teaching applications. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York.