Ultrasonography in a forward-deployed military hospital.

Military medical units must be flexible and mobile to keep up with maneuver units on the modern battlefield. The requirements for unit mobility and maneuverability preclude bulky advanced radiologic imaging support, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging systems. Portable sonography is rapid, reliable, efficient, and user-friendly; it markedly expanded the diagnostic capability of our forward-deployed combat support hospital during Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 400 ultrasound studies were performed during the first 6 months of hospital operations in Iraq. The use of this technology on the battlefield improved our ability to provide definitive, quality, medical care far forward and to preserve the fighting strength of supported units.