High-frequency ultrasound (US) is an efficient, rapid and inexpensive alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for investigation of diseases in the soft tissues of the wrist and hand. US allows the reliable identification of a variety of traumatic lesions affecting tendons, annular pulleys, ligaments, vessels and nerves. Inflammatory diseases of tendons, entrapment neuropathies in the wrist and hand, can also be diagnosed. In patients with localized swelling of the hand or wrist, US is able to assess the presence of an expansile lesion. The objective of this article is to review the main findings of US in the investigation of disorders of the hand and wrist. (J Korean Assoc Pain Med 2008;7:104-107)

KeywordsUltrasonography, Wrist, Hand, Pathology