[Ultrasonic diagnosis of the locomotor system. A review]

The purpose of this overview is to discuss the numerous potential applications of diagnostic ultrasound in the evaluation of diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. Traumatic and inflammatory conditions of tendons, intraarticular effusions and synovial thickening, derangement of articular cartilage, meniscal tears, rotator-cuff lesions and hip anomalies in neonates can be detected by sonography. In addition, hematomas, abscesses, cysts, soft tissue neoplasms and foreign bodies are readily identified using this technique. Sonography is noninvasive, readily accepted by the patients, relatively inexpensive and widely available. In future, further expansion of its role in the diagnostic work-up of musculoskeletal disorders is to be anticipated.