Musculoskeletal ultrasound is widely used in rheumatology practice since the advent of ultrasound. This tool allows helps in the early detection of synovial proliferation, effusion, and bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis, and also recognition of enthesitis in spondyloarthropathies. It also provides visual guidance for invasive procedures such as biopsies, injections, or aspirations. This article provides a brief overview of the clinical application of musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatic diseases.
Historically, the diagnosis of a rheumatic disease depends on a thorough history taking, physical examinations, serological tests, and X-rays. However, difficulties in the diagnosis of this disease arose from limitations in the sensitivity and specificity of serological tests and X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), helps in the early diagnosis of rheumatic disease but has a number…
