Point-of-care Ultrasonography in Orthopedic Management of Hemophilia: Multiple Uses of an Effective Tool.

Abstract

Even in our current era of hemophilia prophylaxis, articular complications can arise and there is a growing need for strategies in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hemophilic arthropathy, a significant contributor to disability in patients with hemophilia. One useful tool, point-of-care ultrasonography (POC-US), offers diverse diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. This article reviews the literature on the uses of POC-US in hemophilia, including early diagnosis of joint damage, differential diagnosis of articular pain, follow-up of joint injury, and guidance for both arthrocentesis and intra-articular injection. Studies show that for patients with hemophilia, POC-US enhances diagnostic accuracy and targeted treatments. Further research is required into the most efficient use of POC-US and the training needed to develop clinicians' skills. The attributes of POC-US should be understood more fully to enable its widespread application.

• Authors: Hortensia De la Corte-Rodriguez, E Carlos Rodriguez-Merchan, Víctor Jimenez-Yuste
• Journal: HSS journal : the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS J) Vol. 14 Issue 3 Pg. 307-313 (Oct 2018) ISSN: 1556-3316 [Print] United States
• PMID: 30258338 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)