Ultrasound of the Knee

Abstract

The knee is a synovial hinge joint that allows for six degrees of freedom, three rotational and three translational motions. These features necessitate a multitude of complex static and dynamic stabilizing mechanisms. The knee joint related pathologies constitute a major amount of musculoskeletal and sports medicine complaints. Given the weight-bearing nature of the joint and the criticality of a readily available diagnostic modality, the ultrasonographic examination of the knee provides a valuable diagnostic tool. In this chapter we highlight a standardized and organized approach to a complete examination of the major accessible structures in the knee anatomic region that will be divided into anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior regions.