[Modern ultrasonographic techniques for the study of the synovial membrane in rheumatic diseases].

In recent years ultrasonography has become one of basic imaging techniques used by radiologists, orthopedists, and rheumatologists for the study of the musculoskeletal system, particularly in patients with rheumatic diseases. This position of ultrasonography is the result of rapid technical advances. Contemporary ultrasound scanners have little in common with those used when ultrasonography was introduced into medicine. Modern ultrasound scanners offer additional options like tissue harmonic imaging, power color Doppler, volumetric ultrasonography (3D/4D imaging), and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Moreover, image resolution during examination has significantly been improved thanks to high-resolution transducers and software for image analysis. This article discusses modern ultrasonographic techniques and their use.