Imaging of the musculoskeletal system: magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and computed tomography.

In the last decade, musculoskeletal imaging has rapidly expanded largely due to the imaging capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. These modalities have increased the clinical understanding and mechanisms of arthritis and are assuming increasing importance in the diagnosis of arthritis; more recently, they have been used to monitor therapy. This chapter reviews recent imaging studies relevant to rheumatic diseases.