Imaging

Ultrasound imaging for the rheumatologist IV. Ultrasonography of the knee

G. Meenagh¹, A. Iagnocco², E. Filippucci³, L. Riente⁴, A. Delle Sedie⁴, S. Bombardieri⁴, G.Valesini², W. Grassi³

1Department of Rheumatology, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, UK; 2Cattedra di Reumatologia, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Roma; 3Cattedra di Reumatologia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Jesi, Italy; 4Unità Operativa di Reumatologia, Università di Pisa, Italy.

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound examination of the knee is particularly useful in the detection of synovitis, early degenerative changes within the articular cartilage of the femoral condyles, calcifications within the articular cartilage layer and menisci, bursitis, and popliteal cysts. Also, important anatomical information about the structural integrity of the supporting tissues around the knee can be obtained by ultrasound in patients presenting with 'knee pain'.We review the available evidence about the use of ultrasound in knee examination, provide information on the technical equipment and scanning methods and discuss the still controversial issues.

Key words

Ultrasonography, knee, synovitis, popliteal cyst.

Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: Prof. Walter Grassi,

Cattedra di Reumatologia, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedale "A. Murri", Via dei Colli 52, 60035 Jesi (AN), Italy.

E-mail: walter.grassi@univpm.it

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2006; 24: 357-360

© CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RHEUMATOLOGY 2006.