Complementary values of ultrasound and computed tomography in the evaluation of musculoskeletal masses

In this presentation, the complementary values of sonography and computed tomography in the evaluation of musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors and tumor-like masses, are discussed and illustrated. Specific strengths and short-comings of both techniques are identified, and comparison with "plain" radiographs and radionuclide scans are included for correlation. In general, with respect to musculoskeletal masses and mass-like lesions, it appears that ultrasonography is more useful than computed tomography in the evaluation of lesions of the distal extremities where there is little fat to define soft tissue planes, and in the evaluation of small, superficial masses. Computed tomography is more helpful than sonography in defining lesions deep in the pelvis and in demonstrating the presence of changes in bone associated with a soft tissue lesion. Where CT and ultrasound images are equally informative, sonography is to be preferred because it is faster, less costly and less hazardous.