MRI vs. Ultrasound of Foot

Ultrasound is not used on the foot. Always consult your friendly radiologist when unsure of the correct exam to order.

Actually ultrasound can be used in the foot in focused situations. We have 7 MSK trained radiologists on staff so we do more than other places. Europe does a lot more of these than in the US.

US of the foot can be used to evaluate:

Morton's Neuroma
Ganglion Cyst
Achilles tendon tears
Less often: Extensor, Flexor, and Peroneal tendon injuries.

It is NOT at all useful for evaluation of bone. Basically what we use it for is to diagnose a Neuroma, which can be done without a further MRI. Achilles tears and lesions can also be evaluated but Orthopods will often want an MRI anyway so it is often less cost effective than going straight to MRI.

Generally, if the clinician isn't sure what is going on, MRI is better for global assesment and can identify the source of the patients symptoms in a wide variety of cases.

Michigan has a great website on MSK ultrasound:

http://www.med.umich.edu/rad/muscskel/mskus/

I stand corrected.