Ultrasound's value in the diagnostic of some knee diseases

In the exploration of the knee region, ultrasound can pinpoint some pathological aspects.

Aim: Presentation of the ultrasound value in investigation of the knee region.

Patients and method: We are presenting some particular aspects in the knee pathology in which the diagnostic had been made through ultrasound.

Results: Patient with rheumatoid arthritis, shows a volume growth of the knee and of popliteal space. The ultrasound describes a Baker popliteal cyst (4/6cm) permitting the guided biopsy. Patient showing swelling of the knee, diagnosed as deep thrombophlebitis in which the ultrasound has shown a cystic popliteal voluminous compressing formation, the edema being secondary and a Doppler ultrasound excluding the intravascular thrombosis. Patient with walk impotence and swelling of the knee shows on the ultrasound hypodense and transonic elements suggestive for kneecap bursitis which puncture under ultrasound control has permitted the mobility restoration. Patient with posttraumatic knee swelling and ultrasound describes a hematoma aspect and cleavage spaces through muscular and tendinous ruptures. Swelling of the knee region in overweight people has permitted the ultrasound visualization of lipomas and the diagnostic differentiation. The ultrasound of the rheumatoid knee has shown synovial proliferation with circulatory activation (in Power Doppler) and the presence of joint liquid and in the septic arthritis a non-homogenous liquid aspect.

Conclusions:

1. The ultrasound allows the description of diagnostic elements in the knee pathology.

2. Cystic aspects, enthesitis, the vascularization, the muscles and the apparition of formations or joint liquid, can be described echographic.