Overview of musculoskeletal ultrasound for the clinical rheumatologist.

Within the realm of rheumatology, the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has grown exponentially over the last few decades. This review, aimed at the clinical rheumatologist, provides a basic overview of the principles of image generation and the commonly used clinical applications of MSUS, while also highlighting its advantages and limitations. In particular, the role of MSUS in the assessment of early and established rheumatoid arthritis, crystalline disease, the spondyloarthropathies and Sjögren's disease is discussed in more detail and by reviewing the pertinent literature.