In the past years, ultrasonographic studies achieved a solid position as an important method of imaging diagnosis in the evaluation of musculoskeletal diseases. Visualization of intra-articular structures and synovial vascular flow improved with the development of new ultrasound technologies, as better transducers, software and Doppler techniques. Ultrasound is being applied as an assistant diagnostic tool in the identification of soft tissue lesions and fluid collections, evaluation of articular structures compromised by rheumatic diseases and also as a guidance tool for invasive procedures in rheumatology, like joint aspiration and injection.
ultrasound; rheumatology
