[Interventional sonography]

Interventional sonography describes the step from pure sonographic imaging diagnostics to sonographically controlled treatment that can be connected directly to sonographic imaging diagnostics instead of postponing it over a longer time interval with possibly further (X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) diagnostics. The sonographically controlled interventional measures range from a simple puncture of fluid-filled spaces to infiltration of deeper lying areas, such as the labrum acetabulare, the dorsal knee joint capsule and facet joints up to infiltration of the sciatic nerve. The safety is guaranteed by adhering to clearly defined hygiene standards as well as by qualified training as part of the 3‑stage model of certification of the surgery section of the German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM). By using modern sonography devices, structures in the submillimeter range are visible even at close range, so that nowadays even splitting of the annular ligament of the finger has become possible under ultrasound control.