A brief history of ultrasound in rheumatology: where we are now.

Ultrasound is gradually becoming established as an indispensable tool within the rheumatology clinical setting. Falling costs, improved educational opportunities, standardisation and developments in therapeutics have all led to the greater acceptability of the technique. This review will highlight how far ultrasound has come in a relatively short period of time by providing an overview of how it is being applied in rheumatology today.