Ultrasound: Joint

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Background

  • U/S can demonstrate joint effusions and aid in diagnostic procedures
  • Shoulder dislocations can be found with SN and SP nearing 100% in both diagnosis and assessing reduction[1]

Joint Effusion

Images

Normal

Abnormal

Joint effusion

Instructions

  1. Select linear probe (high freq probe)
  2. Scan joint longitudinally to identify the joint space and adjacent bones
  3. Rotate 90° over area of concern

Findings

  • Positive
    • Substantial quantity of anechoic fluid (in comparison to contralateral side)
  • Negative
    • Trace or no effusion

Pearls and Pitfalls

  • Compare contralateral joint
  • Pediatric patients can have substantial effusions in both hips that is not pathologic

Shoulder Dislocation

Images

Normal

Reduced shoulder

Abnormal

Dislocation

Instructions

Posterior Approach

  1. Select curvilinear probe (low freq probe)
  2. Place probe to the posterior chest parallel above the scapular spine
  3. Identify the glenoid and humeral head

Anterior Approach

  1. Select curvilinear probe (low freq probe)
  2. Place probe to the anterior chest parallel to the glenohumeral joint
  3. Identify the glenoid and humeral head

Findings

Pearls and Pitfalls

See Also

External Links

Sources

  1. ↑ Abbasi, S, et al. Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonographic Examination in the Management of Shoulder Dislocation in the Emergency Department. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2013; 62(2):170–175.
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