[Significance of sonography in traumatology and orthopedics: part 1: ultrasonography of the musculoskeletal system].

A wide variety of modern ultrasound systems - including linear probes (7.5-15 MHz) and curved array probes (3.5-7.5 MHz), with color Doppler and duplex as well as harmonic imaging are used in trauma surgery and orthopedics to image and investigate almost all regions of the body. It is generally possible to assess all joints by ultrasonography. Valid procedures for ultrasonographic examination of the elbow, hip, knee, and ankle joints have been described in the literature. In the clinical setting, the use of ultrasound to examine the Achilles tendon and joints such as the shoulder and knee is particularly well documented. An important feature of ultrasound is that it allows dynamic examinations and side-to-side comparisons. Because ultrasonography is a very widely used imaging modality, it is a useful tool for screening and monitoring and especially for investigating venous thrombosis and diseases and injuries of the tendons and muscles.