Elbow ultrasound (musculoskeletal imaging in primary care)

Elbow ultrasound

• at the elbow, olecranon bursitis, golfer's and tennis elbow and ulnar nerve cubital tunnel impingement can be demonstrated

Notes:

Ultrasound applications

• Articular pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms without definitive diagnosis
• Shoulder pain or mechanical symptoms
• Symptoms near a joint
• Regional neuropathic pain to diagnose neural entrapment
• Guiding articular/periarticular aspiration or injection
• Diagnosis and treatment assessment of synovitis

Ultrasound advantages

• Cheaper, more accessible and better tolerated than MRI
• Preferred modality for tendinopathy and muscle trauma
• As accurate as MRI in diagnosis of rotator cuff tears
• Dynamic examination and intervention possible

Reference:

• 1) Arthritis Research UK (Summer 2013). Hands on - Musculoskeletal imaging for GPs.