Purpose of review: This narrative review summarizes the last 5 years of published, peer-reviewed research on the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) in osteoarthritis (OA).
Recent findings: Multiple features relevant to OA can be visualized on US, including synovitis, erosion, enthesitis, osteophytes, cartilage damage, meniscal extrusion, and popliteal cysts. US can be used to confirm a diagnosis of OA or make an alternate diagnosis in the clinical setting. When a standardized protocol is used, US is a reliable modality for assessment of the features of OA. Findings on US can predict progression and response to therapy in OA of the hand and knee and can allow characterization of risk factors in a cost-effective, non-invasive, repeatable manner. US is becoming more widely used in OA imaging and has clear value in addition to radiography and clinical assessment. US will likely prove useful in defining phenotypes and providing treatment guidance in OA.
Keywords: Cartilage; Imaging; Osteoarthritis; Osteophytes; Synovitis; Ultrasound.