Article

The WHO reports that one of the major chronic conditions affecting the elderly
worldwide is musculoskeletal disorders that are associated with long-term pain
and disability. Considering the healthcare needs of the elderly (i.e. comprehensive, accessible, efficient) and the advantages of ultrasound (US) use
(patient-friendly, convenient, cost-effective, and does not require exposure to
radiation or magnetic fields), there seems to be a 'gap' in the actual clinical
practice. In this paper, we aimed to highlight the potential value of US imaging
in the management of the elderly with a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal
conditions (degenerative/rheumatic joint diseases, falls/trauma, nursing care,
peripheral nerve problems, sarcopenia, and interventions). In this respect,
electronic databases (ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct) and
reference lists of relevant articles/reviews were screened by two blinded
investigators for each topic. The main medical subject heading terms selected to
capture the most relevant papers on the topics in accordance with the literature
were knee/hip/hand osteoarthritis, prevalence, rotator cuff injury, lateral
epicondylitis, tendinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome,
polymyalgia rheumatica, crystal arthropathies, gout, pseudogout, carpal tunnel
syndrome, fall, fractures, hematoma, pressure ulcer, ultrasonography,
interventional, sarcopenia, body composition, rehabilitation, frail elderly, and
aged. The search was limited to peer-reviewed full-text English journals starting
from the earliest papers to May 2017. A study population (or part of the study
population) of adults older than 65 years (if possible) was included. We
especially underscore the use of US by clinicians as an extension of their
physical examination or as a practical guide for an immediate intervention.

Langue : ANGLAIS