[Musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatology--current status and future perspectives]

In the last ten years we are whitnesses of fast development of ultrasound in rheumatology clinical practice and research. The main problem is general perception that US can be highly subjective. Since 2004 an international collaborative group of ultrasound experts known as the OMERACT Ultrasound Task Force has worked to address the metric qualities of ultrasound in RA and other arthritides, according to criteria specified by the OMERACT filter. The same group has worked since 2000 in the EULAR setting for promoting training and educational issues. Part of this group is now promoting the standardized use of ultrasound at a practical international level: the TUI initiative (Targeted ultrasound initiative). One of the main goals of TUI initiative is standardisation and formal assessment of musculoskeletal ultrasound.