Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Skeletal Radiology 2/2004

01-02-2004 | Review Article

Ultrasound of the elbow

Authors: K. Finlay, M. Ferri, L. Friedman

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 2/2004

Login to get access

Abstract

The elbow is an important synovial hinge joint of the upper extremity. This joint represents a common site of musculoskeletal symptomatology, affecting all age groups. The advantages of ultrasound imaging of the elbow include easy availability, multiplanar capability and the ability to assess structures dynamically. Patient symptomatology and site of maximal tenderness can be directly correlated with imaging findings. Comparison is easily made with the contralateral side. Particular strengths include the ability to assess para-articular structures, such as regional tendons and ligaments, in addition to assessment of joint effusions, loose bodies and regional bursae. With operator experience and excellent technique, ultrasound is a valuable imaging tool for assessment of disorders of the elbow joint.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Barberie JE, Wong AD, Cooperberg PL, Carson BW. Extended field-of-view sonography in musculoskeletal disorders. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1998; 171:751–757.PubMed Barberie JE, Wong AD, Cooperberg PL, Carson BW. Extended field-of-view sonography in musculoskeletal disorders. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1998; 171:751–757.PubMed
2.
go back to reference Martinoli C, Bianchi S, Giovagnorio F, Pugliese F. Ultrasound of the elbow. Skeletal Radiol 2001; 30:605–614.PubMed Martinoli C, Bianchi S, Giovagnorio F, Pugliese F. Ultrasound of the elbow. Skeletal Radiol 2001; 30:605–614.PubMed
3.
go back to reference Martinoli C, Bianchi S, Zamorani MP, Zunzunegui JL, Derchi LE. Ultrasound of the elbow. Eur J Ultrasound 2001; 14:21–27.CrossRefPubMed Martinoli C, Bianchi S, Zamorani MP, Zunzunegui JL, Derchi LE. Ultrasound of the elbow. Eur J Ultrasound 2001; 14:21–27.CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Barr LL, Babcock DS. Sonography of the normal elbow. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1991; 157:793–798.PubMed Barr LL, Babcock DS. Sonography of the normal elbow. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1991; 157:793–798.PubMed
5.
go back to reference Miles KA, Lamont AC. Ultrasonic demonstration of the elbow fat pads. Clin Radiol 1989; 40:602–604. Miles KA, Lamont AC. Ultrasonic demonstration of the elbow fat pads. Clin Radiol 1989; 40:602–604.
6.
go back to reference Hogan MJ, Rupich RC, Bruder JB, Barr LL. Age-related variability in elbow joint capsule thickness in asymptomatic children and adults. J Ultrasound Med 1994; 13:211–213.PubMed Hogan MJ, Rupich RC, Bruder JB, Barr LL. Age-related variability in elbow joint capsule thickness in asymptomatic children and adults. J Ultrasound Med 1994; 13:211–213.PubMed
7.
go back to reference Bianchi S, Martinoli C. Detection of loose bodies in joints. Radiol Clin North Am 1999; 37:679–690. Bianchi S, Martinoli C. Detection of loose bodies in joints. Radiol Clin North Am 1999; 37:679–690.
8.
go back to reference De Maeseneer M, Jacobson JA, Jaovisidha S, et al. Elbow effusions: distribution of joint fluid with flexion and extension and imaging implications. Invest Radiol 1998; 33:117–125.CrossRefPubMed De Maeseneer M, Jacobson JA, Jaovisidha S, et al. Elbow effusions: distribution of joint fluid with flexion and extension and imaging implications. Invest Radiol 1998; 33:117–125.CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Koski JM. Ultrasonography of the elbow joint. Rheumatol Int 1990; 10:91–94.PubMed Koski JM. Ultrasonography of the elbow joint. Rheumatol Int 1990; 10:91–94.PubMed
10.
go back to reference Markowitz RI, Davidson RS, Harty MP, Bellah RD, Hubbard AM, Rosenberg HK. Sonography of the elbow in infants and children. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1992; 159:829–833.PubMed Markowitz RI, Davidson RS, Harty MP, Bellah RD, Hubbard AM, Rosenberg HK. Sonography of the elbow in infants and children. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1992; 159:829–833.PubMed
11.
go back to reference Loyer EM, Dubrow RA, David CL, Coan JD, Eftekhari F. Imaging of superficial soft-tissue infections: sonographic findings in cases of cellulitis and abscess. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1996; 166:149–152.PubMed Loyer EM, Dubrow RA, David CL, Coan JD, Eftekhari F. Imaging of superficial soft-tissue infections: sonographic findings in cases of cellulitis and abscess. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1996; 166:149–152.PubMed
12.
go back to reference Fessell DP, Jacobson JA, Craig J, et al. Using sonography to reveal and aspirate joint effusions. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 174:1353–1362.PubMed Fessell DP, Jacobson JA, Craig J, et al. Using sonography to reveal and aspirate joint effusions. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 174:1353–1362.PubMed
13.
go back to reference Lim-Dunham JE, Ben-Ami TE, Yousefzadeh DK. Septic arthritis of the elbow in children: the role of sonography. Pediatr Radiol 1995; 25:556–559.PubMed Lim-Dunham JE, Ben-Ami TE, Yousefzadeh DK. Septic arthritis of the elbow in children: the role of sonography. Pediatr Radiol 1995; 25:556–559.PubMed
14.
go back to reference Bureau NJ, Chhem RK, Cardinal E. Musculoskeletal infections: US manifestations. Radiographics 1999; 19:1585–1592.PubMed Bureau NJ, Chhem RK, Cardinal E. Musculoskeletal infections: US manifestations. Radiographics 1999; 19:1585–1592.PubMed
15.
go back to reference van Holsbeeck MT, Introcaso JH. Musculoskeletal ultrasound, 2nd edn. St Louis: Mosby-Year Book, 2001. van Holsbeeck MT, Introcaso JH. Musculoskeletal ultrasound, 2nd edn. St Louis: Mosby-Year Book, 2001.
16.
go back to reference Chhem RK, Cardinal E, eds. Guidelines and gamuts in musculoskeletal ultrasound. New York: Wiley, 1999. Chhem RK, Cardinal E, eds. Guidelines and gamuts in musculoskeletal ultrasound. New York: Wiley, 1999.
17.
go back to reference Breidahl WH, Newman JS, Taljanovic MS, Adler RJ. Power Doppler sonography in the assessment of musculoskeletal fluid collections. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1996; 166:1443–1446.PubMed Breidahl WH, Newman JS, Taljanovic MS, Adler RJ. Power Doppler sonography in the assessment of musculoskeletal fluid collections. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1996; 166:1443–1446.PubMed
18.
go back to reference Newman JS, Adler RS, Bude RO, Rubin JM. Detection of soft-tissue hyperemia: value of power Doppler sonography. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1994; 163:385–389.PubMed Newman JS, Adler RS, Bude RO, Rubin JM. Detection of soft-tissue hyperemia: value of power Doppler sonography. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1994; 163:385–389.PubMed
19.
20.
go back to reference Miller TT, Adler RS. Sonography of tears of the distal biceps tendon. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 175:1081–1086.PubMed Miller TT, Adler RS. Sonography of tears of the distal biceps tendon. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 175:1081–1086.PubMed
21.
go back to reference Potter HG. Imaging of posttraumatic and soft tissue dysfunction of the elbow. Clin Orthop 2000; 370:9-18.CrossRefPubMed Potter HG. Imaging of posttraumatic and soft tissue dysfunction of the elbow. Clin Orthop 2000; 370:9-18.CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Lozano V, Alonso P. Sonographic detection of the distal biceps tendon rupture. J Ultrasound Med 1995; 14:389–391.PubMed Lozano V, Alonso P. Sonographic detection of the distal biceps tendon rupture. J Ultrasound Med 1995; 14:389–391.PubMed
23.
go back to reference Connell D, Burke F, Coombs P, et al. Sonographic examination of lateral epicondylitis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2001; 176:777–782.PubMed Connell D, Burke F, Coombs P, et al. Sonographic examination of lateral epicondylitis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2001; 176:777–782.PubMed
24.
go back to reference Lin J, Jacobson JA, Fessell DP, Weadock WJ, Hayes CW. An illustrated tutorial of musculoskeletal sonography. 2. Upper extremity. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 175:1071–1079.PubMed Lin J, Jacobson JA, Fessell DP, Weadock WJ, Hayes CW. An illustrated tutorial of musculoskeletal sonography. 2. Upper extremity. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 175:1071–1079.PubMed
25.
go back to reference Agur AMR, Grant JC, Lee MJ. Grant’s atlas of anatomy. Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1999. Agur AMR, Grant JC, Lee MJ. Grant’s atlas of anatomy. Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1999.
26.
go back to reference Daniels DL, Mallisee TA, Erickson SJ, Boynton MD, Carrera GF. The elbow joint: osseous and ligamentous structures. Radiographics 1998; 18:229–236.PubMed Daniels DL, Mallisee TA, Erickson SJ, Boynton MD, Carrera GF. The elbow joint: osseous and ligamentous structures. Radiographics 1998; 18:229–236.PubMed
27.
go back to reference Morrey BF. Anatomy of the elbow joint. In: Morrey BF, ed. The elbow and its disorders, 2nd edn. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1993:16–52. Morrey BF. Anatomy of the elbow joint. In: Morrey BF, ed. The elbow and its disorders, 2nd edn. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1993:16–52.
28.
go back to reference Ward SI, Teefey SA, Paletta GA Jr, et al. Sonography of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow: a study of cadavers and healthy adult male volunteers. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2003; 180:389–394.PubMed Ward SI, Teefey SA, Paletta GA Jr, et al. Sonography of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow: a study of cadavers and healthy adult male volunteers. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2003; 180:389–394.PubMed
29.
go back to reference Gaary EA, Potter HG, Altchek DW. Medial elbow pain in the throwing athlete: MR imaging evaluation. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1997; 168:795–800.PubMed Gaary EA, Potter HG, Altchek DW. Medial elbow pain in the throwing athlete: MR imaging evaluation. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1997; 168:795–800.PubMed
30.
go back to reference Nazarian LN, McShane JM, Ciccotte MG, O’Kane PL, Harwood MI. Dynamic US of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow in asymptomatic major league baseball pitchers. Radiology 2003; 227: 149–154.PubMed Nazarian LN, McShane JM, Ciccotte MG, O’Kane PL, Harwood MI. Dynamic US of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow in asymptomatic major league baseball pitchers. Radiology 2003; 227: 149–154.PubMed
31.
go back to reference De Smet AA, Winter TC, Best TM, Bernhardt DT. Dynamic sonography with valgus stress to assess elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury in baseball players. Skeletal Radiol 2002; 31:671–676.CrossRefPubMed De Smet AA, Winter TC, Best TM, Bernhardt DT. Dynamic sonography with valgus stress to assess elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury in baseball players. Skeletal Radiol 2002; 31:671–676.CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Barr LL, Kirks DR. Ultrasonography of acute epitrochlear lymphadenitis. Pediatr Radiol 1993; 23:72–73.PubMed Barr LL, Kirks DR. Ultrasonography of acute epitrochlear lymphadenitis. Pediatr Radiol 1993; 23:72–73.PubMed
33.
go back to reference Sevier TL, Wilson JK. Treating lateral epicondylitis. Sports Med 1999; 28:375–380.PubMed Sevier TL, Wilson JK. Treating lateral epicondylitis. Sports Med 1999; 28:375–380.PubMed
34.
go back to reference Miller TT, Shapiro MA, Schultz E, Kalish PE. Comparison of sonography and MRI for diagnosing epicondylitis. J Clin Ultrasound 2002; 30:193–202.CrossRefPubMed Miller TT, Shapiro MA, Schultz E, Kalish PE. Comparison of sonography and MRI for diagnosing epicondylitis. J Clin Ultrasound 2002; 30:193–202.CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Jacobson JA, Jebson PJL, Jeffers AW, Fessell DP, Hayes CW. Ulnar nerve dislocation and snapping triceps syndrome: diagnosis with dynamic sonography—report of three cases. Radiology 2001; 220:601–605.PubMed Jacobson JA, Jebson PJL, Jeffers AW, Fessell DP, Hayes CW. Ulnar nerve dislocation and snapping triceps syndrome: diagnosis with dynamic sonography—report of three cases. Radiology 2001; 220:601–605.PubMed
36.
go back to reference Kaempffe FA, Lerner RM. Ultrasound diagnosis of triceps tendon rupture. Clin Orthop 1996; 332:138–142.PubMed Kaempffe FA, Lerner RM. Ultrasound diagnosis of triceps tendon rupture. Clin Orthop 1996; 332:138–142.PubMed
37.
go back to reference Fornage BD. Peripheral nerves of the extremities: imaging with US. Radiology 1988; 167:179–182.PubMed Fornage BD. Peripheral nerves of the extremities: imaging with US. Radiology 1988; 167:179–182.PubMed
38.
go back to reference Okamoto M, Abe M, Shirai H, Ueda N. Morphology and dynamics of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel: observation by ultrasonography. J Hand Surg [Br] 2000; 25:85–89. Okamoto M, Abe M, Shirai H, Ueda N. Morphology and dynamics of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel: observation by ultrasonography. J Hand Surg [Br] 2000; 25:85–89.
39.
go back to reference Loewy J. Sonoanatomy of the median, ulnar and radial nerves. Can Assoc Radiol J 2002; 53:33–38.PubMed Loewy J. Sonoanatomy of the median, ulnar and radial nerves. Can Assoc Radiol J 2002; 53:33–38.PubMed
40.
go back to reference Silvestri E, Marinoli C, Derchi LE, Bertolotto M, Chiaramondia M, Rosenberg I. Echotexture of peripheral nerves: correlation between US and histologic findings and criteria to differentiate tendons. Radiology 1995; 197:291–296.PubMed Silvestri E, Marinoli C, Derchi LE, Bertolotto M, Chiaramondia M, Rosenberg I. Echotexture of peripheral nerves: correlation between US and histologic findings and criteria to differentiate tendons. Radiology 1995; 197:291–296.PubMed
41.
go back to reference Okamoto M, Abe M, Shirai H, Ueda N. Diagnostic ultrasonography of the ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg [Br] 2000; 25:499–502. Okamoto M, Abe M, Shirai H, Ueda N. Diagnostic ultrasonography of the ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg [Br] 2000; 25:499–502.
42.
go back to reference Steiner E, Steinbach LS, Schnarkowski P, Tirman PFJ, Benant HK. Ganglia and cysts around joints. Radiol Clin North Am 1996; 34:395–425.PubMed Steiner E, Steinbach LS, Schnarkowski P, Tirman PFJ, Benant HK. Ganglia and cysts around joints. Radiol Clin North Am 1996; 34:395–425.PubMed
43.
go back to reference Frankel DA, Bargiela A, Bouffard JA, Craig JG, Shirazi KK, van Holsbeeck MT. Synovial joints: evaluation of intraarticular bodies with US. Radiology 1998; 206:41–44.PubMed Frankel DA, Bargiela A, Bouffard JA, Craig JG, Shirazi KK, van Holsbeeck MT. Synovial joints: evaluation of intraarticular bodies with US. Radiology 1998; 206:41–44.PubMed
44.
go back to reference Miller JH, Beggs, I. Detection of intraarticular bodies of the elbow with saline arthrosonography. Clin Radiol 2000; 56:231–234.CrossRef Miller JH, Beggs, I. Detection of intraarticular bodies of the elbow with saline arthrosonography. Clin Radiol 2000; 56:231–234.CrossRef
45.
go back to reference Davidson RS, Markowitz RI, Dormans J, Drummond DS. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the elbow in infants and young children after suspected trauma. J Bone Joint Surg 1994; 76:1804–1813.PubMed Davidson RS, Markowitz RI, Dormans J, Drummond DS. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the elbow in infants and young children after suspected trauma. J Bone Joint Surg 1994; 76:1804–1813.PubMed
46.
go back to reference Lazar RD, Waters PM, Jaramillo D. The use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of occult fracture of the radial neck. J Bone Joint Surg 1998; 9:1361–1364. Lazar RD, Waters PM, Jaramillo D. The use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of occult fracture of the radial neck. J Bone Joint Surg 1998; 9:1361–1364.
47.
go back to reference May DA, Disler DG, Jones EA, Pearce DA. Using sonography to diagnose an unossified medial epicondyle avulsion in a child. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 174:1115–1117.PubMed May DA, Disler DG, Jones EA, Pearce DA. Using sonography to diagnose an unossified medial epicondyle avulsion in a child. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 174:1115–1117.PubMed
48.
go back to reference Takahara M, Ogino T, Tsuchida H, Takagi M, Kashiwa H, Nambu T. Sonographic assessment of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 174:411–415.PubMed Takahara M, Ogino T, Tsuchida H, Takagi M, Kashiwa H, Nambu T. Sonographic assessment of osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 174:411–415.PubMed
49.
go back to reference Takahara M, Shundo M, Kondo M, Suzuki K, Nambu T, Ogino T. Early detection of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in young baseball players. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1998; 80:892–897.PubMed Takahara M, Shundo M, Kondo M, Suzuki K, Nambu T, Ogino T. Early detection of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in young baseball players. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1998; 80:892–897.PubMed
Metadata
Title
Ultrasound of the elbow
Authors
K. Finlay
M. Ferri
L. Friedman
Publication date
01-02-2004
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 2/2004
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-003-0680-7

Other articles of this Issue 2/2004

Skeletal Radiology 2/2004 Go to the issue