Ultrasound Imaging of the Hand and Wrist: Fundamentals and New Perspectives

Purpose of review: Technological advances in musculoskeletal ultrasound, specifically the introduction of high-resolution probes, have helped produce exquisite imaging of the small structures in the hand and wrist allowing ultrasound to rival or surpass MRI for many imaging indications. The superficial nature of the structures in the hand and wrist makes scanning easy once the relevant anatomy is understood, potentially providing a starting point for a growing musculoskeletal ultrasound practice. Recent findings: Recent advances in hand and ultrasound technology such as sonoelastography and improvements in probe technology have allowed for increased utilization of ultrasound in hand and wrist imaging. Particular advancements have been made in the evaluation of tendons and nerves, particularly the median nerve in the setting of carpal tunnel syndrome. There has also been intensive research in the area of ultrasound utilization for evaluation of rheumatologic conditions. Summary: Ultrasound can now be used as the primary imaging modality used for many conditions in the hand and wrist. The dynamic imaging abilities of ultrasound can provide insights into pathology that are not possible with static imaging modalities such as MRI and CT. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media New York.