Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Author Spotlight: Minimally Invasive Ultrasound-Guided Acupotomy in Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
Published on: April 26, 2024
Joint effusion of the knee: potentialities and limitations of ultrasonography
Ferdinando Draghi1, Luigi Urciuoli2, Francesco Alessandrino1
1Institute of Radiology, University of Pavia, Viale Golgi 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Purpose:
This study aimed at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of joint effusion of the knee.
Methods:
For this retrospective study, approbation by the institutional review board was not required, and written informed consent from the patients was waived. One hundred and fifty-eight patients (83 men and 75 women; median age 41.2 years; age range 13-81 years) who underwent US and MRI of the knee were included in the study. The sensitivity and specificity of US with respect to MRI in the evaluation of the effusion of the knee and in each recess were compared.
Results:
In evaluating joint effusion of the knee, compared with MRI, US correctly identified 78 of 96 patients with joint effusion, showing a sensitivity of 81.3 % and a specificity of 100 %, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100 % and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.5 % (p value = 0.001). Various results were obtained comparing ultrasound with MRI, regarding the various recesses.
Conclusion:
US showed high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing knee joint effusion and could be used in patients who cannot undergo MRI.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:23Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...