[Standardized sectional planes of the locomotor apparatus]

Comparable to the standardized ultrasound screening of newborns and infants according to Graf's method, the standardized ultrasound examination of the locomotor apparatus has become an important feature in the evaluation of many acute and chronic diseases. The standardized ultrasound examination technique according to the guidelines of DEGUM and DGOOC helps the experienced and inexperienced user to avoid diagnostic mistakes by reproducibly displaying anatomical landmarks. Specific individual planes can be necessary in certain indications. The main advantage in comparison to other diagnostic means (i.e., computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) lies in the possibility of dynamic examination, which allows excellent imaging especially in rotator cuff affections. In cases without pathological findings, two standardized planes have to be documented. Otherwise, the pathological finding has to be documented in two standardized planes. The standardized procedure is a useful means for assuring and improving the quality of sonographic examinations of articular and periarticular structures.