Ultrasonography of the popliteal fossa and lower extremities.

In this article, the numerous proven applications of diagnostic ultrasound to the assessment of disease processes affecting the popliteal fossa and lower extremities have been discussed. Popliteal cysts and aneurysms, hematomas, cellulitis, abscesses, soft tissue neoplasms, and other space-occupying fluid collections are readily identified using this technique. In addition, post-traumatic and inflammatory disorders affecting tendons, synovial thickening and effusion, derangement of articular cartilage, meniscal tears, and alterations in soft tissue thickness as well as foreign bodies are amenable to detection by sonography. With future technologic improvements in transducer design and computerized image reconstruction, diagnostic capabilities of this method in the lower extremities should continue to expand.