Which anatomical feature is explicitly listed as a contraindication for ultrasound therapy?

Which anatomical feature is explicitly listed as a contraindication for ultrasound therapy?

• A. Open apophysis
• B. Healthy cartilage
• C. Healthy adult bone
• D. Muscle only

Answer: (A)

Open apophysis represents an active growth area where a tendon attaches to bone in children. Ultrasound therapy can cause heating and mechanical effects that, in a developing bone, might disrupt growth or damage the growth plate. Because of this sensitivity, an open apophysis is explicitly contraindicated. Healthy cartilage, healthy adult bone, and muscle without pathology aren’t inherently at risk in the same way; when ultrasound is applied with appropriate settings, these tissues can tolerate it, so they aren’t contraindicated simply by being healthy or by being muscle. The safety concern centers on developing skeletal tissue, not on mature or non-growth tissues.

Open apophysis represents an active growth area where a tendon attaches to bone in children. Ultrasound therapy can cause heating and mechanical effects that, in a developing bone, might disrupt growth or damage the growth plate. Because of this sensitivity, an open apophysis is explicitly contraindicated.

Healthy cartilage, healthy adult bone, and muscle without pathology aren’t inherently at risk in the same way; when ultrasound is applied with appropriate settings, these tissues can tolerate it, so they aren’t contraindicated simply by being healthy or by being muscle. The safety concern centers on developing skeletal tissue, not on mature or non-growth tissues.