Purpose: To describe and assess ultrasound (US) guided biopsy of peripheral joint synovial membrane.
Method: Between January 2002 and January 2005, 83 patients have undergone biopsies of synovial membrane performed under ultrasonographic guidance, as a diagnostic procedure for monoarthritis of unknown etiology. After synovial thickening was confirmed by US examination, the optimal approach to the joint was decided in accordance with maximal synovial thickening localization and adjacent anatomic structures. The absence of complications related to the biopsy was verified by continuous ultrasonographic scanning during and immediately after the procedure. The procedure was rated as successful if synovial tissue was identified by histologic examination of the biopsy specimen. Success rate of the procedure was compared to the fluoroscopic guided biopsy success rate that was formely published in medical literature.
Results: Synovial tissue was obtained in 78 cases (94%) (shoulder (100%), elbow (75%), wrist (85.7%), hip (88.2%), knee (97%), ankle (100%). No complication occurred.
Conclusion: US guided biopsy of peripheral joint synovial membrane is a safe and effective technique that has multiple advantages compared to fluoroscopic guided procedure.