Ultrasound assessment of the external occipital protuberance in young adults. Clinical implications

Abstract

Introduction The current lifestyle, related to the indiscriminate use of screens from early ages with sustained postures, can cause structural changes (osteophytes) to the upper trapezius enthesis on the external occipital protuberance. Such findings in the skull are rare and usually asymptomatic, especially in young adults. Therefore, it is important to analyze, evaluate and correlate these findings with the patient's symptoms. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an ideal tool to enable the evaluation of these structural alterations. Description of the Exam Prone position avoiding cranio-cervical hyperextension. A linear probe is used with a low frequency range (8–10 Mhz) The scan used as a reference is the transverse exam of the bone prominence. Subsequently, this is confirmed with a longitudinal exam, which is used to measure the osteophyte. The normal reference value is <10 mm. Discussion The ultrasound exam described above enables the easily reproducible assessment and measurement of osteophytes and insertional soft tissue at this level to enhance treatment planning.

Keywords

musculoskeletal ultrasound - external occipital protuberance exostosis - invasive physiotherapy

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