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.