Ultrasound of the elbow joint with elastography

When is ultrasound of the elbow joint with elastography performed?

Ultrasound of the elbow joint with elastography is a simple, non-invasive imaging study that allows precise assessment of post-traumatic, inflammatory, overload and degenerative changes in this structure. This examination allows assessment of the condition of the elbow joint and selection of appropriate treatment. 

Ultrasound with elastography - what does it mean? 

Ultrasound with elastography is a modern diagnostic method that makes it possible to assess the elasticity of the body's internal tissues during an ultrasound examination. This is because it is worth knowing that tissues altered by disease in many cases have a different cohesiveness (hardness, elasticity) than healthy tissues. Thus, ultrasound with elastography allows to obtain more data than classic ultrasonography, which proceeds without assessing the elasticity of tissues. 

Elastography helps detect, among other things, inflammation of muscles and tendons, as well as overload changes - for this reason it is useful in the diagnosis of pathologies involving various structures, including the elbow joint. 

Course of ultrasound of the elbow joint with elastography

Modern ultrasound equipment with elastography function is used to perform the examination. From the patient's perspective, ultrasound with elastography does not differ significantly from classic ultrasound. The doctor performing the examination applies the gel-covered head of the camera to the examined area and evaluates the image appearing on the monitor. The examination takes a few minutes or so and does not cause pain.

The patient does not need to prepare in any way for the ultrasound of the elbow joint. However, it is worth remembering that it will be necessary to expose the examined area.