Ultrasonographic diagnosis of extremity masses

Radiographic examination of soft tissue extremity masses is frequently inconclusive. In 18 patients with normal or nonspecifically abnormal radiographs, gray scale ultrasonography provided useful additional information. It was possible to distinguish fluid collections from solid masses, and recurrent venous thrombosis from hematoma in anticoagulated patients. Occasionally, specific diagnoses were suggested on the basis of ultrasonic morphologic characteristics. Diagnoses included soft tissue neoplasms, hematomas, aneurysms, synovial cysts, abscesses, and a lymphocele.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46815/1/256_2004_Article_BF00347181.pd