Ultrasound of the elbow.
This article describes the use of ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of the elbow. US is able to visualize several abnormalities affecting tendons, muscles, ligaments and bursae around the elbow joint as well as to delineate the nature of soft-tissue swelling, such as a space-occupying lesion or synovial enlargement. Occult fractures, osteophytes and intra-articular loose bodies can be depicted with this technique as well. At the cubital tunnel, US allows accurate imaging of the ulnar nerve and to document changes that occur in compressive syndromes. Over other imaging modalities, US offers several key advantages, including cost effectiveness, availability and ability to perform a dynamic examination of tendon movement and joint motion. With continued experience, it is likely that the use of US will increase further with regards to evaluation of soft-tissue abnormalities of the elbow.
Martinoli
C
C
Cattedra di Radiologia "R"--DICMI-Università di Genova, Largo Rosanna Benzi 8. I-16132 Genoa, Italy. martinoli@zeus.newnetworks.it
Bianchi
S
S
Zamorani
M P
MP
Zunzunegui
J L
JL
Derchi
L E
LE
D004550:Elbow / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D007594:Joint Loose Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods; D000092464:Elbow Injuries