Ultrasound of the knee

Ultrasound is emerging as a viable imaging modality in the diagnosis and as sessment of the musculoskeletal system. Advantages of ultrasound include it s easy availability and multiplanar capability, as well as economic advanta ges. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound demonstrates the fibrill ar microanatomy of tendons, ligaments and muscles, enhancing its diagnostic capability. The ability to compress, dynamically assess structures and com pare easily with the contralateral side is advantageous. The patient's exac t point of clinical tenderness can be correlated with underlying anatomical structures and associated pathology. The main strength of knee ultrasound is the assessment of para-articular disease. The specific structures best s uited for ultrasound assessment include tendons, muscles and ligaments, as well as periarticular soft tissue masses. Joint effusions, synovial thicken ing, bursal fluid collections, intra-articular loose bodies, ganglion cysts , ligament and tendons tears, tendonitis and occult fractures can be diagno sed. With experience, ultrasound is a time-efficient, economical imaging to ol for assessment of the knee.