Objectives The current lack of agreement regarding standardized terminology in musculoskeletal and sports ultrasound presents challenges in education, clinical practice, and research. This consensus was developed to provide a reference to improve clarity and consistency in communication. Methods A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened consisting of 18 members representing multiple specialty societies identified as key stakeholders in musculoskeletal and sports ultrasound. A Delphi process was used to reach consensus which was defined as group level agreement >80%. Results Content was organized into seven general topics including: 1) General Definitions, 2) Equipment and Transducer Manipulation, 3) Anatomic and Descriptive Terminology, 4) Pathology, 5) Procedural Terminology, 6) Image Labeling, and 7) Documentation. Terms and definitions which reached consensus agreement are presented herein. Conclusions The historic use of multiple similar terms in the absence of precise definitions has led to confusion when conveying information between colleagues, patients, and third‐party payers. This multidisciplinary expert consensus addresses multiple areas of variability in diagnostic ultrasound imaging and ultrasound‐guided procedures related to musculoskeletal and sports medicine.
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Sports Ultrasound Curriculum for Sports Medicine Fellowships
Abstract: Sports ultrasound is commonly used by sports medicine physicians to enhance diagnostic and procedural accuracy. This expert consensus statement serves as an update to the 2015 American Medical Society for Sports Medicine recommended sports ultrasound curriculum for sports medicine fellowships. Although written in the context of the American sports medicine fellowship training model, we present a stepwise progression in both diagnostic and interventional sports ultrasound that may be applicable to the broader sports medicine community. The curriculum is divided into 12 units with each unit including didactic instructional sessions, practical hands-on instruction, independent scanning practice sessions, and mentored clinical experience. To assist with prioritization of learning, we have organized relevant pathology and procedures as essential, desirable, and optional. The expanded content can serve as an outline for continuing education postfellowship or for any physician to further advance their sports ultrasound knowledge and skill. We also provide updated scanning protocols, sample milestones, and a sample objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to aid fellowships with implementation of the curriculum and ongoing assessment of fellow progress.
Ultrasound in Trauma and Other Acute Conditions in Sports, Part II
Abstract The utility of ultrasound in sports medicine is improving the sports medicine physician's ability to rapidly diagnose and treat a multitude of sports related pathologies. In this article, we clearly outline the current status of the evidence in support of using sports ultrasound in the setting of acute ocular injury, evaluation of elevated intracranial pressures, deep venous thrombosis, and soft tissue complaints.
Background: Traditionally, ultrasound has been used to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries in athletes; however, ultrasound applications extend well beyond musculoskeletal conditions, many of which are pertinent to athletes. Evidence Acquisition: Articles were identified in PubMed using the search terms ultrasound, echocardiogram, preparticipation physical examination, glycogen, focused assessment with sonography of trauma, optic nerve, and vocal cord dysfunction. No date restrictions were placed on the literature search. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Results: Several potential applications of nonmusculoskeletal ultrasound in sports medicine are presented, including extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (eFAST), limited echocardiographic screening during preparticipation physical examinations, assessment of muscle glycogen stores, optic nerve sheath diameter measurements in athletes with increased intracranial pressure, and assessment of vocal cord dysfunction in athletes. Conclusion: Ultrasound can potentially be used to assist athletes with monitoring their muscle glycogen stores and the diagnosis of multiple nonmusculoskeletal conditions within sports medicine.