Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 14, Issue 5 357-360, Copyright © 1995 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Sonographic examination of muscle herniation
S. Bianchi, I. F. Abdelwahab, C. G. Mazzola, G. Ricci and S. Damiani
Department of Radiology, E. O. Ospedale Galliera, Genova, Italy.
Muscle herniation is defined as a protrusion of a portion of a muscle
through a defect of the muscle fascia. Although muscle herniation usually
is only a cosmetic problem, the condition can lead to spontaneous pain,
cramp, or local tenderness. We report eight patients in whom sonographic
examination was used to diagnose a muscle herniation. The sonographic
technique demonstrates the muscle bulging and the fascial defect. Dynamic
examination permits the demonstration of reduction of the herniated muscle
substance when pressure is applied through the probe. Although the
diagnosis of muscle herniation can be suspected at physical examination,
nevertheless sonography can be useful in confirmation.
