Échographie en rhumatologie

Abstract

The importance of ultrasonography in rheumatology has increased dramatically. Its use is likely to significantly modify rheumatology practice. Rheumatologists may perform this examination themselves, provided they have been correctly trained for it (about 2 years). Technical advances (high- and multi-frequency transducers) allow accurate ultrasonographic analysis of tendon, muscle and joint structures. Ultrasonography constitutes a direct prolongation of the clinical examination, which provides further arguments to the rheumatologist's diagnosis and helps for more accuracy in the therapeutic management. The numerous potential applications of ultrasonography for musculoskeletal diseases are currently under evaluation by clinical research teams. The clinical knowledge of the rheumatologist enhances the potentialities of ultrasound examinations. The actual less expensive cost of ultrasound devices allow rheumatologists to use this technique in their daily practice, both in the hospital context or in a private practice.