Sonographic Findings of Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major Injuries in Overhead Athletes: A Pictorial Review

J Ultrasound Med. 2026 Mar;45(3):669-678. doi: 10.1002/jum.70094. Epub 2025 Oct 16.

Abstract

Latissimus dorsi (LD) and teres major (TMA) injuries are increasingly recognized as significant sources of pain in overhead athletes, particularly pitchers. These injuries are challenging to diagnose clinically, and conventional MRI often lacks sufficient detail to fully evaluate them. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) offers dynamic, high-resolution evaluation and may better characterize these injuries. This pictorial review illustrates the sonographic appearance of common LD and TMA injuries, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy, increase clinician familiarity with this region, and support future research in injury classification using ultrasound.

Keywords: injuries; latissimus dorsi; overhead athletes; shoulder; teres major; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Baseball* / injuries
  • Humans
  • Shoulder Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Superficial Back Muscles* / diagnostic imaging
  • Superficial Back Muscles* / injuries
  • Ultrasonography / methods

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