Calcific tendinopathy of the rectus femoris tendon: the ultrasound appearance

Calcific tendinopathy of the rectus femoris tendon preferentially affects the proximal reflected head, is often idiopathic, but can be associated with repetitive trauma. In its acute phase, it is characterized by pain and tenderness in the groin area, as well as restricted range of motion and limping. Acute episodes are likely precipitated by the rupturing of deposits within the tendon into the hip joint. At musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS), calcific tendinopathy appears as an area of linear, rounded, or amorphous hyper echogenicity with posterior acoustic shadowing (see images).

To scan the direct tendon of the rectus femoris origin with MSKUS the patient is placed in a supine position with the hip in extension and the transducer in a longitudinal plane over the anterior inferior iliac spine.

Pubmed link to article Lungu et al. (2018) > http://bit.ly/2mHWyzC