Integrating handheld ultrasound in rheumatology: A review of benefits and drawbacks.
Authors
Affiliations (4)
Affiliations (4)
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Women's College Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Leeds NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada. Electronic address: [email protected].
Abstract
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a key tool in rheumatology for diagnosing and managing inflammatory arthritis. Traditional ultrasound systems, while effective, can be cumbersome and costly, limiting their use in many clinical settings. Handheld ultrasound (HHUS) devices, which are portable, affordable, and user-friendly, have emerged as a promising alternative. This review explores the role of HHUS in rheumatology, specifically evaluating its impact on diagnostic accuracy, ease of use, and utility in screening for inflammatory arthritis. The review also addresses key challenges, such as image quality, storage and data security, and the potential for integrating artificial intelligence to improve device performance. We compare HHUS devices to cart-based ultrasound machines, discuss their advantages and limitations, and examine the potential for widespread adoption. Our findings suggest that HHUS devices can effectively support musculoskeletal assessments and offer significant benefits in resource-limited settings. However, proper training, standardized protocols, and continued technological advancements are essential for optimizing their use in clinical practice.