Ultrasonography of the extremities and pelvic girdle and correlation with computed tomography

Ultrasonography was performed on 54 patients with lesions of the extremities and pelvic girdle. Computed tomography (CT) was employed in 8 patients. Focal space-occupying lesions such as tumors, abscesses, hematomas, aneurysms, and popliteal cysts (dissecting or otherwise) were delineated by ultrasound and their extent defined. Differentiation from diffuse changes such as lymphedema, cellulitis, or phlebitis and diagnosis of aneurysms were possible. Popliteal cysts were usually quite characteristic, while correlation with the clinical features suggested the correct diagnosis in the case of the other lesions. CT correlated well with ultrasound, except for one tumor of the forearm which was not shown by CT.