Ultrasound imaging for the rheumatologist. V. Ultrasonography of the ankle and foot

CER2885
2006 Vol.24, N°5
PI 0493, PF 0498
Imaging

Free to view
(click on article PDF icon to read the article)

PMID: 17181916 [PubMed]

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Ultrasonography (US) is a useful tool for imaging, which can be used for the assessment of joints and periarticular structures in all rheumatological disorders. In patients with pain and/or swelling of the ankle and foot, US provides information about the presence of joint effusion, synovitis, tenosynovitis, tendinosis, and tendons tears, helping in the differential diagnosis between joint or tendon/enthesis involvement. Moreover, US allows clinicians to monitor and guide needle positioning to inject pharmaceutical substances more safely and effectively even in hard-to-reach sites.US represents an accurate, safe and low-cost technique that can be used for the examination of the ankle and foot in rheumatic disorders.