Economics of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Healthcare costs have exploded in the past 30 years and they are a major concern for governments worldwide. Care management of musculoskeletal disorders and advanced imaging account for a large part of this socioeconomic burden. RECENT FINDINGS: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is now performed primarily by nonradiologists. Both musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI total utilization rates continue to increase. Despite the existence of evidence-based diagnostic recommendations and the potential cost-savings of using musculoskeletal ultrasound instead of MRI in certain clinical situations, ensuring appropriate use of imaging among health professionals remains difficult for various reasons. SUMMARY: In the context of healthcare budgets restraints, use of imaging must be shown scientifically, to improve patient outcomes and be cost-effective. Current evidence recommends musculoskeletal ultrasound as the primary imaging modality in the investigation of rotator cuff disease. Policies aiming at ensuring the application of imaging guidelines among physicians are needed.