Ultrasound examination of the wrist

Ultrasonography of the wrist requires knowledge of the normal anatomy and dedicated ultrasound equipment. The patient's complaints orientate the examination. Real time dynamic examination provides essential information. In tendon pathology, ultrasound demonstrates better than MRI partial rupture, different types of synovitis and nodular deposits such as tophi, amyloid or pannus. In opposition to ganglion cysts, a joint communication is seen in arthrosynovial cysts. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the surface of the median nerve exceeds 15 sqmm. Ultrasound can demonstrate in specific cases traumatic lesions of bony surfaces or lesions of the triangular fibro-cartilage.