[Standardised ultrasound scanning of the elbow]

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) is noninvasive, nonionisating and cost-effective imaging diagnostic technique. It is a useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of joint and soft tissue pathology and can be considered as an extension of physical examination. Elbow is easily accessed due to its superficial position. A high resolution, multi-frequency (10-15 MHz) linear transducer should be used. US investigation of the elbow includes scanning of the anterior, medial, lateral and posterior part of the joint. Common flexor and extensor origin at the humearal epicondyles, triceps tendon, distal biceps tendon and ulnar nerve should be analised. The most frequent US finding of the elbow is lateral epicondylitis. In inflammatory arthropaties bursal distension and joint effusion are easily accessed by US. Power Doppler sonography is used for detection of sinovial vascularisation. In this paper standardized techinque for the US examination of the elbow is described. The normal ulrasound anatomy of the elbow is illustrated.