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Review
. 2025 Apr;54(4):779-788.
doi: 10.1007/s00256-024-04801-5. Epub 2024 Nov 1.

Ultrasound-guided interventions in elite soccer players

Gina M Allen  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Ultrasound-guided interventions in elite soccer players

Gina M Allen. Skeletal Radiol. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

In the world of elite soccer, or football as we call it in the UK, a player who cannot play for any length of time costs the team money and team performance. The time to return to play (RTP) is crucial in any player's career, and the use of ultrasound-guided ultrasound injections has become important in the management of injury. In this article, I will explain the importance of good practice when performing these procedures and the use of steroids, sodium hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other therapies in achieving the goal of decreasing the time of RTP for the footballer. KEY POINTS: •Injection therapies are routine practice in maintaining and treating soccer injuries. •Injection therapies can be safely performed under ultrasound guidance.

Keywords: Injections; Soccer injuries; Ultrasound.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Ultrasound image of a midportion Achilles tendinosis with vascularity on MVI (microvascular imaging)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Ultrasound image of a needle inserted in front of the Achilles tendon to perform saline stripping of the tendon
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Ultrasound image of a needle inserted in front of the Achilles tendon to perform saline stripping of the tendon, now showing more fluid stripping the left edge of the paratenon
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Ultrasound image showing an insertional Achilles tendinosis
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Ultrasound image showing an insertional Achilles tendinosis with vascularity on MVI (microvascular imaging)
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Ultrasound image showing dry needling of an insertional Achilles tendinosis
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Longitudinal ultrasound image showing an effusion in a knee joint
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Ultrasound image showing a needle in the transverse position, under the quadriceps tendon, in an effusion in the suprapatellar pouch of the knee joint
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Ultrasound (longitudinal) showing a focal area of plantar fasciitis in the centre of the image (arrow)
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Ultrasound (Transverse) showing a focal area of plantar fasciitis on the right side of the image (arrow)
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Ultrasound image showing dry needling of a focal area of plantar fasciitis in the centre of the image. The needle is at the side of the abnormality (arrow). The needle is going to penetrate the abnormality centrally
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Ultrasound image showing dry needling of a focal area of plantar fasciitis in the centre of the image (arrow). The needle is inside the abnormality
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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