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The Knee Joint

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Ultrasound in Rheumatology
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Abstract

The knee joint is a modified hinge joint and contains both the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations. Evaluation of the knee on ultrasound can provide valuable information about the synovium of the joint and demonstrate any associated thickening or inflammation (synovitis) of the joint recesses [1]. The articular cartilage can also be clearly visualised, particularly in the intercondylar notch of the femur, where cartilage thinning and crystal deposition can be seen. The quadriceps and patella tendons, especially distal tendon insertions, can be evaluated for enthesitis demonstrating tendon inflammation but also potentially cortical erosive change. Medial and lateral joint lines can be evaluated for joint narrowing, bony hypertrophy and meniscal extrusion which are features of osteoarthritis. The majority of musculoskeletal (MSK) structures situated around the knee can be visualised with a standard linear probe, of 12 MHz and above.

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Correspondence to Stuart Wildman .

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Wildman, S. (2021). The Knee Joint. In: Akram, Q., Basu, S. (eds) Ultrasound in Rheumatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68659-8_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68659-8_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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