Is ultrasound a reliable help for a rheumatologist?

Czech version

Authors: P. Hánová
Authors‘ workplace: Revmatologický ústav, Praha
Published in: Čes. Revmatol., 21, 2013, No. 2, p. 93-97.
Category: Comments

Overview

Ultrasonographic examination of the joints is a non-ionizing, relatively available examination, the use of which is constantly growing. The main advantage of ultrasonography over stationary methods is the possibility of dynamic assessment and prompt proof or exclusion of synovitis in a patient during a single examination. The obvious disadvantage is the variable reliability of examination. This variability depends on the particular investigator, his experience, the type of the examined joint, the used ultrasound device and the method of its setting. Standardization of examination techniques for individual joints and training led to significant improvements in reliability of this examination in meta-analyses.

Key words:
Ultrasound, reliability, synovitis

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Article was published in

Czech Rheumatology

2013 Issue 2