Ultrasound Terminology

HYPERECHOIC- When the sound wave reflects (echo) from a dense structure like bone, its image is bright (increased echo) and appears white on the monitor.

HYPOECHOIC- When the sound wave reflects (echo) from a less dense structure like tendon, its image is darker (decreased echo) and appears gray to dark on the monitor.

ANECHOIC- When the sound wave is totally reflected (echo) or absorbed by the material, its image is black (no echo) and appears totally black on the monitor.

ISOECHOIC- When the echoic sound wave does not change in signal pattern with movement of the transducer probe. This occurs when imaging Morton’s Neuromas which appear hypoechoic.

HOMOGENEOUS- When having a uniform echo pattern throughout the structure being imaged.

HETEROGENEOUS- When having a non-uniform echo pattern throughout the structure being imaged.

ECHOGENIC - Containing structures that reflect (echo) high-frequency sound waves.

FIBRILLAR PATTERN- Sonographic appearance of normal internal architecture of tendons or ligaments that display a fine linear echogenic bands that correspond to the parallel alignment of the regularly arranged collagen fiber bundles.

BELL CLAPPER SIGN – Torn muscle fibers that are free floating projections into the area of hematoma.

TENOSYNOVITIS – Area of hypoechoic or anechoic signal surrounding a tendon (Normal Tendon and/or Intra-substance Degeneration and/or Partial Tear).

TENDINITIS – Thickening or swelling of the tendon with normal internal fibrillar pattern and homogenous echogenic signal.

TENDINOSIS – Hypoechoic region within the tendon with loss of normal internal fibrillar pattern and heterogeneous echogenic signal (Intra-substance Degeneration and/or Partial or Linear Tear).