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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2004; 08(4): 313-328
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-861578
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Applications of Ultrasound in Arthritis

Wayne W. Gibbon1
  • 1University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
10 January 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The current article demonstrates some of the common sonographic features of the major arthritides. In rheumatoid arthritis, sonography shows the primary intra-articular location of the joint synovitis and bone erosion as well as any associated tenosynovitis. In early disease, this distribution can be distinguished from that of the spondyloarthropathies, in which the changes are typically centered on the entheses. These can be similarly differentiated from the chrystal arthropathies and osteoarthritis. In addition to its role in helping to make an accurate initial diagnosis, ultrasound is able to provide information as to disease activity and the efficacy of therapeutic agents.

KEYWORDS

Sonography - rheumatoid arthritis - spondyloarthropathies - crystal arthropathy - osteoarthritis - color Doppler imaging

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Wayne W Gibbon

Professor and Discipline Head of Medical Imaging. University of Queensland, c/o Dept. of Medical Imaging

3rd Floor, Ned Hanlon Building, Royal Brisband and Women's Hospital, Bowen Bridge Rd.

Herston, QLD 4029, Australia

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