[Ultrasound diagnosis of pathologic changes of the anterior knee joint. Value, indications, case reports].

Ultrasonography (7.5 MHz linear scan) was employed in 129 patients with pathologic conditions of the front parts of the knee and its value was compared with other imaging modalities (x-ray, CT). Surgical or arthroscopic correlation was available in 75 patients (43 with injuries, 32 non-traumatic). In view of its high sensitivity and positive predictive value we suggest the use of sonography in these applications: 1. Differential diagnosis of periarticular swellings 2. Lesions of the knee extensor mechanism 3. Documentation of stability tests 4. Lesions of the intercondylar cartilage 5. Follow-up of therapy effects On account of the low sensitivity we do not recommend regular sonographic examination of menisci with linear scans.