The paper by Finnoff et al (see page 1144) is an important first step in formalising a detailed curriculum for ultrasound (US) education for sports medicine fellows.1 It is also advantageous in that it is based on the existing American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) curriculum, as this agency has a wealth of experience in sports medicine.

As radiologists, we are acutely aware of the great value of sonographic assessment of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. Non-radiologist clinicians have also recognised this utility, and begun to use laptop-sized US units which are able to achieve an image quality that is satisfactory for examining MSK systems as long as high-frequency (10–12 MHz) probes are utilised. The more recent availability of truly hand-held units has generated even greater interest in sonographic augmentation of the physical examination, although currently these ultraportable machines are used mainly for basic assessment of, for example, free fluid in the abdomen in trauma cases, and are not designated by the vendors for MSK use. Other advantages of US, such as a lack of ionising radiation, ability to perform a dynamic examination, high spatial resolution and ability to guide intervention, further exemplify this modality's important role in …