The definition of sonography: ultrasonography, ultrasound - using the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ (a sonogram); commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs.

Imaging to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis - particularly the sacroiliac joints - can be problematic since it can take 7-10 years for the disease to progress far enough to be seen on a common x-ray.

A study published in The Annals of Rheumatic Diseases looks at the use of a common sonogram to help see the changes.

The authors of the study conclude that, "Our study suggests that high resolution sonography is useful in the assessment of [sacroiliac joints] involvement in [spondyloarthropathy], resulting in images that are fast and inexpensive and may locate, complementing the physical examination, the origin of [inflammatory back pain]."

To read the study abstract, click here.

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