Detection of intraarticular bodies of the elbow with saline arthrosonography

AIM: To assess whether ultrasound with intraarticular injection of saline i ncreases the detection of intraarticular bodies of the elbow. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients (age range 21-42 years, mean 29 years ; 8 male, 4 female) referred over a 2-year period with an equivocal history of elbow locking and plain radiographs had a joint injection of at least 1 2 mi of sterile saline during ultrasound examination. No patient had a join t effusion before injection. Surgical correlation was available in six pati ents. RESULTS: Ten patients had intraarticular bodies but these were demonstrated only after joint injection in six patients. Arthroscopy performed in six p atients confirmed intraarticular bodies in five. Radiographs were falsely p ositive in one and falsely negative in seven patients, CONCLUSION: Joint injection improves the sonographic evaluation and conspic uity of small and radiographically occult intraarticular loose bodies in th e clinically equivocal elbow. The procedure is simple, quick, well tolerate d and reproducible. (C) 2001 The Royal College of Radiologists.