Abstract
Introduction The current lifestyle, related to the indiscriminate use of screens from early ages
with sustained postures, can cause structural changes (osteophytes) to the upper trapezius
enthesis on the external occipital protuberance. Such findings in the skull are rare
and usually asymptomatic, especially in young adults. Therefore, it is important to
analyze, evaluate and correlate these findings with the patient's symptoms. Musculoskeletal
ultrasound is an ideal tool to enable the evaluation of these structural alterations.
Description of the Exam Prone position avoiding cranio-cervical hyperextension. A linear probe is used with a low
frequency range (8–10 Mhz) The scan used as a reference is the transverse exam of
the bone prominence. Subsequently, this is confirmed with a longitudinal exam, which
is used to measure the osteophyte. The normal reference value is <10 mm. Discussion The ultrasound exam described above enables the easily reproducible assessment and
measurement of osteophytes and insertional soft tissue at this level to enhance treatment
planning.
Keywords
musculoskeletal ultrasound - external occipital protuberance exostosis - invasive
physiotherapy
