[Ultrasound diagnosis of rheumatic/inflammatory joint diseases]

Ultrasonography is an inexpensive and readily available imaging technology for joints and surrounding soft tissues. Examination usually requires only a few minutes, is safe and can be repeated frequently because no radiation is involved. The method depends much on the training and skills of the examiner and sonographic pictures should always be interpreted in context with history and clinical findings. Therefore, the same physician, who does the physical examination, should also perform the ultrasound. Then, this method has the potential to serve as the 'rheumatologist's extended finger'.