Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis

The anterior upper arm is composed of the biceps brachii, the coracobrachialis and the brachialis muscles. Collectively, these 3 muscles flex the elbow. The brachialis is known as the workhorse of the elbow as it functions the same despite rotation of the forearm due to its distal attachment on th...

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Main Authors: Robert C. Manske, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page, Michael Voight
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: North American Sports Medicine Institute 2025-08-01
Series:International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.142362
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author Robert C. Manske
Chris Wolfe
Phil Page
Michael Voight
author_facet Robert C. Manske
Chris Wolfe
Phil Page
Michael Voight
author_sort Robert C. Manske
collection DOAJ
description The anterior upper arm is composed of the biceps brachii, the coracobrachialis and the brachialis muscles. Collectively, these 3 muscles flex the elbow. The brachialis is known as the workhorse of the elbow as it functions the same despite rotation of the forearm due to its distal attachment on the ulna. The brachialis sits anatomically directly dorsal to the biceps brachii. Although brachialis muscle injuries are rare, they can occur from either contusions or from repetitive overuse. Diagnostic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is gaining traction in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings. MSK ultrasound has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating brachialis injuries including tissue hypertrophy or structural changes and damage in the upper and anterior forearm. MSK ultrasound is adept at detecting changes in tendon tissue composition and integrity. Furthermore, this manuscript will review the utility of MSK ultrasound in evaluating the brachialis muscle including its anatomy, common injury patterns, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for professional rehabilitation. By integrating MSK ultrasound into clinical practice, providers can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, enhance diagnostic confidence, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies to optimal patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-40d0a9cca9064817bae0daef669b3e192025-08-20T03:16:08ZengNorth American Sports Medicine InstituteInternational Journal of Sports Physical Therapy2159-28962025-08-0120810.26603/001c.142362Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the BrachialisRobert C. ManskeChris WolfePhil PageMichael VoightThe anterior upper arm is composed of the biceps brachii, the coracobrachialis and the brachialis muscles. Collectively, these 3 muscles flex the elbow. The brachialis is known as the workhorse of the elbow as it functions the same despite rotation of the forearm due to its distal attachment on the ulna. The brachialis sits anatomically directly dorsal to the biceps brachii. Although brachialis muscle injuries are rare, they can occur from either contusions or from repetitive overuse. Diagnostic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is gaining traction in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings. MSK ultrasound has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating brachialis injuries including tissue hypertrophy or structural changes and damage in the upper and anterior forearm. MSK ultrasound is adept at detecting changes in tendon tissue composition and integrity. Furthermore, this manuscript will review the utility of MSK ultrasound in evaluating the brachialis muscle including its anatomy, common injury patterns, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for professional rehabilitation. By integrating MSK ultrasound into clinical practice, providers can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, enhance diagnostic confidence, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies to optimal patient outcomes.https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.142362
spellingShingle Robert C. Manske
Chris Wolfe
Phil Page
Michael Voight
Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
title Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis
title_full Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis
title_fullStr Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis
title_full_unstemmed Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis
title_short Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis
title_sort diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound in the evaluation of the brachialis
url https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.142362
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