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Joint ultrasound
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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If you suffer from frequent joint pain as a result of injuries or illnesses, then you are probably interested in where to do an ultrasound of the joint. This study visualizes the structure of the joint, and the resolution of the ultrasound device is comparable to the quality of MRI diagnostics. The advantage of the procedure is that you can focus on the area of concern. Compression by the sensor acts as a kind of orientation for finding foci of pathologies.
Ultrasound of joints does not require special preparation and is performed in a short time. Most often, patients seek medical advice for ultrasound of the knee, shoulder and hip joints. This procedure is performed for patients of all ages, including newborns.
The main indications for joint scanning are:
- Recent and history of trauma.
- Systemic, autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory and acute diseases.
- Pathologies of the endocrine system.
- Limited movement in the joints and pain.
- Increased joint volume, swelling.
- Tumor formations and suspicions of other pathologies.
A joint is a complex organ consisting of a capsule, synovial membrane, cartilage and bone. In addition, there are ligaments, tendons and muscles to stabilize the joint. Not all joints are the same in structure.
Modern ultrasound examination is an effective method for detecting joint pathology, used at the first stage of diagnostics. Ultrasound is used to search for both intra-articular and periarticular pathology. Quite often, joint changes detected by ultrasound require confirmation by MRI, arthroscopy or arthrography.
Ultrasound of the knee joint is performed in case of injuries, changes in the shape of the joint, crunching during movement, swelling, and the appearance of formations. Diagnosis of the shoulder joint is prescribed in case of stiffness of movement, inflammatory diseases, crunching, and past injuries. Examination of the wrist joint is necessary in case of damage to the ligamentous apparatus, tendons, and pinched nerves. Ultrasound of the elbow joint allows you to identify changes in the ligaments, soft tissues, and tendons; for these purposes, an examination of the ankle joint is also performed.