During the ultrasound examination, the doctor places a special probe dedicated to the examination of small joints and smaller anatomical structures of the body to the dorsal or palmar surface of the wrist, hand or fingers. The scope of the examination depends on the indications resulting from the clinical picture. Ultrasound examination of the hand allows for the identification of damage to muscle tendons, inflammation of the tendon sheaths and joints, as well as degenerative and productive changes. Thanks to the ultrasound examination, it is possible to assess the course of the median and radial nerves and the possible cause of compression of these nerves.

The ultrasound examination may be performed by a radiologist, orthopedist or rheumatologist with a certificate of training in ultrasound of the wrist and hand structures.

Hand ultrasound does not require any special preparation. It is worth bringing the results of other tests, e.g. X-rays of the hand, laboratory results for rheumatoid diseases or the results of nerve conduction test in case of suspected compression neuropathy.

The duration of hand ultrasound depends on the range of structures assessed. In the case of rheumatological changes, the wrist and each finger are assessed separately, which may extend the duration of one hand examination to 50 minutes. When clinical examination indicates the need for an ultrasound examination of a single structure, e.g. the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, the ultrasound usually takes about 10-15 minutes.