Ultrasound Case of the Week
A 60 y/o gentleman presented to ED with c/o right knee pain after a
fall while putting up Christmas lights (in November?) the previous day. On exam, he was noted to have
a suprapatellar effusion with decreased ROM and pain with varus/vargus stress. He had a history of OA
and ligamentous injuries in his left knee.
After examining the patient, the treating physicians decided to perform a MS US on the patient's right knee.
This image, obtained with the high frequency vascular probe in proximal to the right patella, shows disruption of the linear appearing quadriceps tendon fibers on the right as compared to the left and a right sided suprapatellar effusion (as was noted on exam). These findings are suspicious for partial quadriceps tendon tear. An xray of the right knee was also obtained which did not show a fracture. The patient was placed in a knee immobilizer and given orthopedics follow-up.
A Primer on MS US of the knee:
After examining the patient, the treating physicians decided to perform a MS US on the patient's right knee.
This image, obtained with the high frequency vascular probe in proximal to the right patella, shows disruption of the linear appearing quadriceps tendon fibers on the right as compared to the left and a right sided suprapatellar effusion (as was noted on exam). These findings are suspicious for partial quadriceps tendon tear. An xray of the right knee was also obtained which did not show a fracture. The patient was placed in a knee immobilizer and given orthopedics follow-up.
A Primer on MS US of the knee:
Relevant Anatomy
- Use vascular probe
- Begin with knee in as close to full extension as possible.
- For effusion: obtain views of the suprapatellar recess and lateral pouches
- Use US to assist with joint aspiration utilizing same
- Begin with knee in as close to full extension as possible.
- For effusion: obtain views of the suprapatellar recess and lateral pouches
- Use US to assist with joint aspiration utilizing same
