Abstract des Autors

The introduction of a reproducible standardised examination method has lead to the enormous succes of ultrasound in the detection of lesions of tendons and muscles. Ultrasound has become part of the routine diagnostic program. The accuracy of ultrasound in the detection of histological changes is very high. In several experimental studies we examined in human tendons the correlation between histological and sonographic changes. Ultrasonographic measurements of length, width, thickness and circumference of the ligaments correlated highly to the explants' macroscopic evaluated dimensions. The sonographic lesions were distinguished in changes in form and echogenicity. Macroscopic visible changes in the explanted ligaments could be detected ultrasonographically. In the course of the tendons a very high correlation (up to 92%) between sonographical and histological findings was detected. Ultrasonographically detected lesions of tendons point to histological changes but no conclusions to the kind of histological changes can be taken. Ultrasound has proven to be a reproducible, cost saving diagnostic method with a very high accuracy and has a determined place in the diagnostic program of muscle and tendon lesions in sports medicine. Verf.-Referat