Ultrasound of the joints of the hand with elastography

When is ultrasound of the joints of the hand with elastography performed? 

Ultrasound of the joints of the hand is a simple, non-invasive imaging study that allows precise assessment of post-traumatic, inflammatory, overload and degenerative changes within this structure. This examination makes it possible to assess the condition of the hand and select appropriate treatment. It is particularly useful in evaluating soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. 

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 joints of the hand. 

Course of ultrasound of the joints of the hand 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 several to several minutes and does not cause pain.

• The examination does not require any preparation on the part of the patient. For your own comfort on the day of the examination, it is advisable to put on comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, as it will be necessary to expose the examined area. 
• No referral for the examination is required. 
• The result of the examination is available immediately.