Extended field of view sonography in musculoskeletal imaging.

The usage patterns and benefits of extended field of view sonography were analyzed prospectively in 100 consecutive musculoskeletal ultrasonographic examinations. Extended field of view sonography was used in 23 of 58 abnormal cases (10 of 41 shoulders, five of eight other joints, seven of seven extra-articular extremities, one of two interventional procedures) and two of 42 normal cases. Of 23 abnormal cases using extended field of view sonography (12 of 46 tendon tears and 11 of 12 fluid collections or masses), this modality helped in measuring abnormalities in 13, displaying abnormalities in 19, showing spatial relationships in 17, communicating findings in 13, and making diagnoses in 0. Extended field of view is a useful technique for musculoskeletal ultrasonography. The primary benefits are measuring and displaying abnormalities (most often fluid collections or masses and extra-articular extremity abnormalities).