Joint Ultrasound (Arthrosonography)

Arthrosonography is the term used to describe the ultrasound examination of joints. It is now considered a crucial component of rheumatologic diagnosis. This is due to the method’s excellent visualization of soft tissue processes and early detection of bony destruction (destruction of bone).

Indications (areas of application)

  • Enthesiopathies – group of pathological disorders mostly of tendon attachment points close to joints.
  • Gout, chronic
  • Paratendonitis – inflammation of the tendon gliding tissue.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Spondyloarthritides – group of diseases distinguished from chronic polyarthritis (CP) by the absence of rheumatoid factors and rheumatoid nodules.
  • Synovitis (synovial inflammation).
  • Tendinitis (tendonitis)
  • Tendovaginitis (tendonitis)
  • Tendinosis – degenerative changes in the tendons.
  • Unclear joint swelling

Furthermore, arthrosonography is used to aid in the puncture of joints.

The procedure

Arthrosonography is one of the non-invasive diagnostic procedures, meaning that it does not penetrate the body. Linear transducers with frequencies between 5 and 20 MHz are used. Sound frequencies of 18 MHz allow a resolving power of less than 0.15 mm.

Sonography can be used to visualize soft tissues (e.g., tenovaginitis, bursitis/bursitis) as well as superficial areas of the bones of a joint (e.g., erosions). Changes in tendons, muscles, nerves and blood vessels can also be visualized very well.

According to the guidelines of the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), standardized multiplanar section planes are available for all joint regions of the peripheral joints.

The examination usually takes only a few minutes and is performed with the patient lying down. No preparation of the patient is necessary.