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

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 Sep-Oct;24(5):493-8.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foot Joints / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Rheumatology / methods
  • Ultrasonography / methods