Musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb--ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging correlation.

The purpose of this paper is to familiarize general radiologists and specialists with the sonographic and corresponding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of various musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb. Technologists and radiologists should be familiar with all imaging techniques for the investigation and evaluation of musculoskeletal abnormalities. The role of high-resolution ultrasound (US) is highlighted, as well as the complementary relation between both imaging modalities. We also discuss some of the advantages of US over MRI in the investigation of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb. The MRI and US appearances of various articular, periarticular, and soft tissue pathologies of the lower limb are compared and reviewed, and where possible, the advantages of each modality are identified.