Ultrasound of the joints of the hands or feet, bilateral

Bilateral ultrasound of the joints of the hands or feet is a non-invasive method for evaluating articular and periarticular structures.

The examination allows assessment of the joint surfaces and adjacent soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, joint capsule and synovial membrane, as well as identification of signs of inflammation, fluid collections, edema, tissue thickening, cysts and other structural changes.

Examination of both sides allows comparison of symmetrical joints and identification of changes that may be less pronounced on one side.

Color and power Doppler may be used when necessary to assess blood flow in areas where abnormalities are identified.

Indications

• pain in the joints of the hands or feet;
• joint swelling and edema;
• stiffness and limited mobility;
• pain during movement or physical activity;
• sensation of warmth in the joint area;
• suspected inflammatory joint disease;
• suspected synovitis, tenosynovitis or bursitis;
• suspected fluid collections or cystic lesions;
• assessment of tendons and ligaments;
• injuries and their consequences;
• follow-up of previously identified changes;
• assessment of treatment effectiveness;
• other indications as recommended by the physician.

Limitations

The diagnostic value of the examination may depend on the degree of edema, anatomical features, the depth of the structures being examined, and the presence of significant deformities or post-traumatic and postoperative changes.

Ultrasound provides effective visualization of soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and fluid-containing lesions, but has certain limitations in assessing some bone abnormalities and deeply located structures. When necessary, the physician may recommend additional investigations, including X-ray, CT or MRI.

Contraindications

There are no absolute contraindications to diagnostic ultrasound.

In cases of significant tenderness, skin lesions or other local changes, the examination technique may be adapted according to the patient's condition.

Procedure

The patient is positioned on the examination table in a suitable position for examination of the hands or feet.

Ultrasound gel is applied to the area being examined. The physician sequentially examines the joints on both sides, assessing their structure and the adjacent tissues.

Depending on the clinical situation, the joint surfaces, joint capsule and synovial membrane, tendons, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues are assessed.

Color and power Doppler may be performed when necessary to evaluate blood flow and the activity of inflammatory processes.

The duration of the examination depends on the number of joints examined and the findings identified.