Ultrasonography: A Highly Efficient Modality for Anterior Knee Pain Diagnosis

Zusammenfassung

250 Kniegelenke bei 125 konsekutiven Patienten wurden im Ultraschall zur Diagnostik anteriorer Knieschmerzen untersucht. Durchschnittsalter war 22,2 Jahre (15 - 30 Jahre). Die durchschnittliche Untersuchungsdauer betrug 6,5 min (5 - 11 min). Krankhafte Veränderungen wurden in 57 von 125 beschwerdegebenden Kniegelenken gefunden: 7-mal infrapatellare Bursitis, 6-mal suprapatellare Bursitis, 38-mal Patellarsehnen-Tendinitis (17 suprapatellar, 9 infrapatellar, 12 supra- und infrapatellar), 1 Ganglionzyste, 1 Patellafraktur, 2 Verkalkungen in der Patellarsehne, 1 Patella bipartita und 1 Weichteiltumor. Die Autoren empfehlen die Ultraschalluntersuchung als Methode der ersten Wahl in der Diagnostik des anterioren Knieschmerzes.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the usefulness of ultrasound in diagnosing pathologies in cases of anterior knee pain. The efficiency of US (ultrasound) usage as a diagnostic tool in the knee was proven in previous reports, even in comparison to MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), especially in the superficial area. We represent here our experience in ultrasound usage as diagnostic tool for anterior knee pain in young adults. Material and Methods: 250 knees of 125 consecutive patients had ultra-sonogram during one year due to diagnosis of anterior knee pain. The mean patients' age was 22.22 ± 4.62 years, ranging from 15 to 30 years. The mean examination time was 6.5 ± 1.55 minutes, ranging from 5 to 11 minutes. Results: Pathological findings were found in 57 out of 125 symptomatic knees. Seven patients with infrapatellar bursitis, 6 with suprapatellar bursitis, 17 with proximal patellar tendonitis, 9 with distal patellar tendonitis, 12 with pan patellar tendonitis, 1 with ganglion cyst, 1 patella fracture, 2 cases of calcification in the patellar tendon, 1 with patella bipartite and 1 case had a soft tissue mass. Conclusions: As in many other soft tissue lesions in the musculoskeletal system, ultrasonography is a very useful and effective tool in evaluation of pathologies and diagnosis for anterior knee pain. We suggest that US should be the imaging procedure of choice to diagnose pathologies of the anterior knee. Due to the accuracy for soft tissue diagnosis around the knee, the short time of the examination, the low cost, the safety (lack of radiation), and the availability, we highly recommend the use of ultrasound for soft tissue diagnosis around the knee and as a first line diagnostic tool for anterior knee pain.

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