Applications of musculoskeletal ultrasound in the pediatric emergency department

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an emerging point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging modality that can be used to assess patients who present to the pediatric emergency department with musculoskeletal complaints. It is useful in detecting effusions resulting from infection or injury and can also help identify fractures and foreign bodies. Ultrasound is particularly useful in guiding joint aspiration and foreign body removal. This article reviews the role of POCUS in evaluating for hip, knee, ankle, and elbow effu-sions, long bone fractures, and foreign bodies.