title: Elbow US: Anatomy, Variants, and Scanning Technique.
abstract: As with other musculoskeletal joints, elbow ultrasonography (US) depends on the examination technique. Deep knowledge of the relevant anatomy, such as the bone surface anatomy, tendon orientation, nerves, and vessels, is crucial for diagnosis. It is important to be aware of the primary imaging pitfalls related to US technique (anisotropy) in the evaluation of deep tendons such as the distal biceps and peripheral nerves. In this article, US scanning technique for the elbow as well as the related anatomy, primary variants, and scanning pitfalls are described. In addition, an online video tutorial of elbow US describes a possible approach to elbow evaluation. Online supplemental material is available for this article.
authors.affiliation: From the Institute of Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) (A.S.T.), and Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL) (B.B., C.M.), University of Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi 8, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Tagliafico
authors.forename: Bianca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bignotti
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martinoli
mesh_terms: D063405:Anatomic Variation; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods