General definitions
| Term | Definition |
| Musculoskeletal ultrasound | The use of ultrasound to diagnose and/or guide treatment of conditions involving bones, joints, tendons, muscles, bursae, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, fascia and related soft tissue structures. Indications and specifications are outlined in the AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination,6 the AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Selected Ultrasound-Guided Procedures7 and the ESSR Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Technical Guidelines.8 |
| Sports ultrasound | The use of ultrasound by a qualified medical professional to diagnose and/or guide treatment for injuries and medical conditions associated with sport and exercise. This may involve both clinical and in-the-field applications. Sports ultrasound evaluations are most often performed to answer a specific clinical question, and the need for further imaging or involvement of other medical imaging experts should be considered. |
AIUM, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; ESSR, European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology; SSR, Society of Skeletal Radiology.