The use of sonography in muscular injuries of the lower leg

Background: Over one third of all sports related injuries affect the muscle-tendon apparatus. Therefore an easy, quick and cost effective method for diagnosis and follow up is necessary. Methods: We studied 50 patients with muscle strain injuries divided in two groups. The patients of group A received an elastic bandage, within the next 24 hours the first sonography of the affected limb was performed. The next check up was after 7 to 14 days and after 4 to 6 weeks. The average duration of use was registered. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to register pain, and the reduction of activity and motion was classified in three grades. In the patients of group B a tape bandage was applicated to the injured leg. The same schedule was used for these patients. In all patients a cooling therapy was started as soon as possible. The two groups of patients were checked regularly using ultrasonography and compared to each other due to the different parameter. Results: In 36 patients a muscular injury was detected sonographically during the first check up. In 13 patients on day 7 to 14, still a lesion was detectable. And in one patient 6 weeks after injury a lesion was still detectable. The 37 patients of group A reported an average of 6.9 points on VAS on day one, after 7 to 14 days 3.3 points and 0.8 points after the last check up. The 13 patients of group B reported an average of 6.7 points on VAS on day one, after 7 to 14 days 3.8 points and 2.0 points after the last check up. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms show good correlation to the sonographic results.