title: Introduction to musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound: examination of the upper limb.
abstract: With recent advances in computer technology and equipment miniaturization, the clinical application of diagnostic ultrasonography (U/S) has spread across various medical specialties. Diagnostic U/S is attractive in terms of its noninvasiveness, lack of radiation, readiness of use, cost-effectiveness, and its ability to make dynamic examinations possible. Dynamic imaging deserves special emphasis because it is useful in differentiating full-thickness from partial-thickness tendon tears, muscle tears, and tendon and nerve subluxations or dislocations. It is also a quick and easy avenue for side-to-side comparisons. When appropriately used, diagnostic U/S can be considered as an extension of one's physical examination. However, there are limitations of U/S, which will be discussed in this review article. This is part 1 of two articles; this first part will focus on the ultrasound examination of the upper extremity, using selected examples relevant to musculoskeletal medicine. Part 2 will cover common pathologies of the lower extremity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Stanford University School of Medicine/VA Palo Alto, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Henry L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Lew
authors.forename: Carl P C
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Tyng-Guey
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Kelvin T L
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Chew
mesh_terms: D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*