Ultrasonography in osteoarthritis: recent advances and prospects for the future.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide a background about the role of ultrasound in osteoarthritis, and to introduce recent technological advances in musculoskeletal ultrasound and their implications in osteoarthritis research.

RECENT FINDINGS

The focus of recent developments in musculoskeletal ultrasound concentrates on increasing the detection of synovitis. This has important implications in osteoarthritis, as the mechanisms of inflammation are still being elucidated in this disease. New modalities that have been studied in rheumatoid arthritis are recently being explored in osteoarthritis. However, standards for interpretation and technique of these modalities are still required.

SUMMARY

Ultrasound is being increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in osteoarthritis. New modalities may aid in our ability to diagnose, assess disease activity, and understand pathophysiology in osteoarthritis. However, we await further studies to help establish universal guidelines on the use of ultrasound modalities in rheumatic diseases.