Measurement of Quadriceps Cross–sectional Area by Ultrasonography: A Description of the Technique and its Applications in Physiotherapy

Abstract

The effect of physiotherapy on muscle growth can be evaluated by direct measurements of the individual muscle concerned, eg. using ultrasound B-scanning. The technique is suitable for adoption by physiotherapists to use independently or in collaboration with specialists in diagnostic imaging. Details of the technique are described, and the difficulties met while making and interpreting the scans are discussed. The purpose of this paper is to stress the importance of muscle-size measurements and to encourage physiotherapists to use ultrasound scanning to obtain them.