Advances in diagnosing osteoarthritis: clinical applications of musculoskeletal ultrasonography
10.5124/jkma.2024.67.10.629
- Author:
Hae-Rim KIM
1
Author Information
1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Focused Issue of This Month
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2024;67(10):629-634
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis globally. Besides cartilage loss, all surrounding structures of the joint, including the synovium, capsule, ligament, bone, nerve, and muscle, are affected by this disease, resulting in joint failure. The traditional diagnosis of OA depends on clinical symptoms, physical examination, and radiographic findings. Ultrasonography (US), computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are imaging modalities commonly used for assessing OA.Current Concepts: US findings of OA indicate synovitis, hyaline and fibrous cartilage damage, ligament and tendon changes, and bony abnormalities. US is clinically useful because it correlates with the clinical pain index and radiographic and MRI findings, differentiates the various causes of OA pain, helps diagnose early disease, predicts prognosis, and increases the accuracy and safety of intra-articular injections in OA joints.Discussion and Conclusion: Although US has some limitations as a tool for examining whole joint structures, its use is predicted to increase in the future because it is beneficial and easily accessible for assessing OA. To produce accurate US results, the examiner should have deep anatomical knowledge and skilled practice techniques, and a clinical diagnosis should be performed based on clinical symptoms and physical examination.
