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Water-bath method for sonographic evaluation of superficial structures of the extremities in children

  • Pediatric Musculoskeletal Imaging: Beyond the Basics
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Abstract

High-resolution sonography using a stand-off pad or a gel mound is a standard technique for the evaluation of soft-tissue structures of the hands and feet in children. However, the complex curved surfaces of the hands and feet often yield suboptimal contact between the transducer and the skin. Additionally, the small field of view, relative compressibility of the soft-tissue structures by the transducer, patient motion and discomfort from contact of the transducer with the pathology often limit conventional US evaluation. A water-bath technique overcomes these limitations. We present our experience of water-bath technique of superficial sonography in 23 children. Water-bath technique was performed with good patient cooperation and was superior to the standard technique for depiction of shallow skin ulcers, subcutaneous masses, vascular malformations, osteomyelitis and foreign bodies.

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The authors have no financial interests, investigational or off-label uses to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. EB Singleton Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, 6701 Fannin St, Suite 1280, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Rajesh Krishnamurthy

  2. Radiology Department, Tongdaemun Hospital, Ewha Woman’s University College Medicine, Seoul, Korea

    Jeong Hyun Yoo

  3. Department of Radiology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Mahesh Thapa

  4. Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Michael J. Callahan

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  1. Rajesh Krishnamurthy
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  2. Jeong Hyun Yoo
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  3. Mahesh Thapa
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  4. Michael J. Callahan
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Correspondence to Rajesh Krishnamurthy.

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Krishnamurthy, R., Yoo, J.H., Thapa, M. et al. Water-bath method for sonographic evaluation of superficial structures of the extremities in children. Pediatr Radiol 43 (Suppl 1), 41–47 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-012-2592-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-012-2592-y

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