Issue: Vojnosanit Pregl 2017; Vol. 74 (No. 12)

Ultrasound in diagnosis of nontraumatic lower extremity pain syndromes: A case report

Authors:
Giasna Giokits Kakavouli, Sandra Živanović

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Introduction. Musculoskeletal impairment is the most
prevalent impairment in people over 65. The spine involvement
is the most frequently reported. However,
common regional pain syndromes usually arise from undefined
mechanical, musculoskeletal or soft tissue disturbances.
Use of imaging methods is becoming a mandatory
tool in the clinical practice in order to achieve the prompt
and accurate disease definition. Case report. The Caucasian
79-year-old-male patient attended with the history of
an acute, piercing pain along the postero-medial side of
the right Achilles tendon and the medial side of the right
sole. According to the spine magnetic resonance imaging,
X-rays and electrodiagnostic studies, diagnoses of the
radicular, neurogenic pain and plantar fasciitis was suspected.
However, the popliteal groove ultrasound assessment
revealed the presence of hypertrophied semimembranosus-
gastrocnemius bursa, compressing the popliteal
neurovascular bundle. Conclusion. In patients with a
symptomatology of peripheral neuropathy, use of imaging
techniques such as ultrasound may be essential for accomplishing
patients’ diagnostic approach.