Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound in Calf Muscle Strain Injuries

Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound in Calf Muscle Strain Injuries

Shigeki Negami, MD, JAPAN Yusuke Hirahata, MD, JAPAN Jun Sasahara, MD, PhD, JAPAN Toshiro Shima, JAPAN Hironari Masuda, PhD, JAPAN Wataru Miyamoto, MD, JAPAN Keisuke Tsukada, MD, PhD., JAPAN Youichi Yasui, MD, PhD, JAPAN Takumi Nakagawa, MD, PhD, JAPAN Hirotaka Kawano, Prof, JAPAN

Teikyo University Institute of Sports Science & Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo,kaga,itabashiku, JAPAN


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Diagnosis / Condition

Patient Populations

Anatomic Location

Anatomic Structure

Diagnosis Method

Treatment / Technique


Summary: Ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool in Calf Muscle Strain Injuries


Background

While MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing calf muscle strain injuries, its routine use is impractical due to cost and accessibility. Ultrasound, being simple and minimally invasive, has gained attention as an alternative diagnostic tool. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in detecting calf muscle strain injuries.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records from June 2019 to March 2024. Patients who were suspected of having calf muscle strain injuries underwent ultrasound examinations followed by MRI. MRI findings were used as the reference standard to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound.

Results

A total of 108 patients (96 males, 12 females; average age 23 years) were included. MRI confirmed calf muscle injuries in 60 patients. The overall sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound were 76% and 72%, respectively.

Discussion And Conclusion

The primary limitation of ultrasound in diagnosing calf muscle strain injuries is the inability to accurately visualize the injury site of soleus muscle. It is often observed that the site of pain reported by patients does not correspond to the actual location of the injury. Despite this, ultrasound remains a valuable diagnostic tool for calf muscle strain injuries. To enhance diagnostic accuracy, common sites of calf muscle strain injuries should be routinely examine irrespective of patient reported pain locations.