Private Ultrasound Scan Elbow

Through ultrasound diagnosis different abnormalities on elbow joint can be seen

• Fluid collection in elbow joint
• Tendon tear or inflammation of tendon
• Lateral epicondylitis(outer elbow inflammation)
• Medial epidondylitis( Inner elbow Inflammation)
• Ligamental abnormality
• Bursitis
• Cubital nerve syndrome
• Median nerve abnormality

Evaluation in respect of different aspects of elbow joint scanning is available

Anterior elbow

1. transverse sweep from 5 cm proximal to the elbow joint to 5 cm distal to the elbow joint. Evaluate biceps and brachialis muscles, brachial artery, median nerve.
2. evaluate the distal biceps tendon (long axis). Follow the tendon to its insertion on the radial tuberosity.
3. evaluate the anterior joint recess (a small amount of fluid in the coronoid fossa is normal).
4. evaluate the radial and posterior interosseous nerves along their course (short axis).

Lateral elbow

Position of elbow in 90 flexion

1. evaluate the common extensor tendon (long and short axis).
2. evaluate the radio-capitellar joint. Check with pronation and supination.
3. evaluate the annular ligament (fluid in the annular recess is abnormal).

Medial elbow

General method is to keep the forearm in external rotation and the elbow be extended or a little flexed.

1. evaluate the common flexor tendon and medial collateral ligament (long and short axis). Dynamic scanning with gentle valgus stress on the elbow can help evaluate the patency of the medial collateral ligament if warranted.

Posterior elbow

Often examined with elbow flexed while the palm is flat on the table (the “crab” position)

Keep the elbow flexed and flat on the table.

1. evaluate the triceps tendon to its insertion (long and short axis).
2. evaluate the olecranon fossa (examining at 45° flexion may increase the amount of fluid in the fossa, if any).
3. evaluate the cubital tunnel and ulnar nerve (short axis)
4. evaluate for ulnar nerve translation with a short axis view of the nerve at the level of the medial epicondyle. Watch the region while the patient flexes his or her arm and look for translation of the nerve over the medial epicondyle.