Ultrasound of the elbow: Examination techniques and US appearance of the normal and pathologic joint.

Ultrasound studies are frequently requested for the work-up of patients with local elbow pain, which is generally caused by overuse syndromes, trauma, inflammatory diseases, or neuropathies. The technique used to examine this joint will vary to some extent depending on the precise location of the pain and other clinical findings. The aim of this article is to describe the standard technique used for elbow ultrasound, the normal anatomy of the joint, and the appearance on ultrasound of normal elbow anatomy and the alterations associated with some of the more common disorders affecting this joint.