INNOVATIVE IMAGING TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF YOUR PRACTICE
Fig. 4. Ultrasound reference image and probe position used to create a longitudinal image of the SL origin using the medial approach. Note the region of nonlinear tissue (arrow) within the ligament that is consistent with the bundles of fat and muscle. The region of fat and muscle is bordered dorsally and plantarly by ligament fibers (asterisks). The MR image shows the ultrasound beam width relative to the SL width, making fanning the beam necessary to image the entire ligament. Machine settings should then be adjusted before continuing with the examination.
seous landmarks are identified on the image, the SL is then identified based on its position, shape, and fiber pattern. The SL is scanned proximally to dis-
tally keeping the osseous landmarks in view as the probe slides distally. The changes in shape of the SL should be identified as the length of the ligament
Fig. 5. Ultrasound reference image and probe position used to create a transverse image of the SL origin using the medial approach. Osseous landmarks (metatarsal bones) should first be identified, followed by the SL. The MR image shows the ultrasound beam direction and position relative to the SL. The ultrasound beam is perpendicular to the bone-ligament interface.
