Newer techniques for the ultrasonographic evaluation of the elbow structures: Distal biceps tendon, lateral ulnar collateral ligament and radial nerve

Abstract

Context: Ultrasound is an excellent modality for the evaluation of the soft tissue structures as well as articular pathologies of the elbow joint. Higher resolution transducers along with the superficial location of the elbow structures make them amenable for easy visualisation However, the long learning curve and the operator dependency can limit its use. Aims: The aim of this article is to describe and demonstrate novel techniques to image distal biceps tendon, lateral ulnar collateral ligament and radial nerve at elbow joint with ease. Design: Technical advancement. Methods: The elbow joint ultrasound examination was performed on ten asymptomatic volunteers, 20–40 years old, using a linear probe of 3–13 MHz frequency. The scanning was started from the anterior elbow, the distal biceps tendon was visualised first with anterior to the medial approach followed by the lateral ulnar collateral ligament with one finger technique and radial nerve with first bone technique respectively. Conclusion: We consider our techniques as an easy approach to identify the distal biceps tendon, lateral ulnar collateral ligament and radial nerve.

Keywords

• distal biceps tendon
• elbow joint ultrasound
• lateral ulnar collateral ligament
• radial nerve