Musculoskeletal ultrasonography in Europe: results of a rheumatologist-based survey at a EULAR meeting.
OBJECTIVE
To document the practice of musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) by a sample of European rheumatologists attending an annual general meeting of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR).


METHODS
English-language questionnaires were distributed to 180 randomly selected participants attending imaging-related sessions at the XIV EULAR meeting in Glasgow, UK, in 1999. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: Demographics, Education and Training, Current Practice, and Equipment.


RESULTS
Ninety-two rheumatologists responded, representing 74 centres from 19 European countries. Seventy-eight (85%) of the respondents either already used US in their clinical practice or would like to use it in the future. Thirty-seven (40%) respondents performed US within their own department. Few had received training at undergraduate level and most had learned informally or by attending courses. Scans were considered most useful for large joints and ligaments/tendons. Only 28 (30%) respondents valued US for guided injections.


CONCLUSIONS
This study, although containing an element of selection bias, confirms a great interest in musculoskeletal US by rheumatologists across Europe and a demand which is likely to increase. The reported variation in training and practice between countries suggests a need for standardized training guidelines.
Wakefield
R J
RJ
Academic Department of Musculoskeletal Medicine, The General Infirmary at Leeds, UK.
Goh
E
E
Conaghan
P G
PG
Karim
Z
Z
Emery
P
P
D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods; D005060:Europe; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data