Soft tissue ultrasound evaluates the skin, subcutaneous fat, and superficial musculature for infections, foreign bodies, masses, and post-procedural complications. It is particularly valuable for distinguishing cellulitis (which does not require drainage) from abscess (which does), directly affecting antibiotic and procedural management.
Sonographers use high-frequency linear probes to identify the cobblestoning pattern of cellulitis, the hypoechoic fluid collection of an abscess with posterior acoustic enhancement, and the shadowing artifact of foreign bodies such as wood splinters and glass that may be invisible on X-ray. Real-time guidance of abscess incision and drainage reduces failed procedures and patient discomfort.
Soft tissue ultrasound is performed by sonographers holding RDMS credentials with small parts or musculoskeletal training. It is a common application in emergency medicine POCUS and dermatology-adjacent sonography. The examination requires attention to compressibility, flow assessment with Doppler, and precise documentation of abscess dimensions and depth for procedural planning.