oa Editorial from Editor-in-Chief

Ultrasound has become an important tool in the practice of rheumatology over the last several years. Use of ultrasound at the bedside allows direct visualization of joints, ligaments and tendons as well as dynamic and functional assessments of these structures in real time at the bedside. MRI and CT may give us more detailed pictures with a broader view of the anatomy of a particular area, but with the newer high resolution scanners that are available the resolution of ultrasound is unsurpassed. Additionally, given that the operator has the clinical history at the time of performing the exam, important clinical decisions can be made almost instantaneously. Indeed, ultrasound may become not only what ECHO is to a cardiologist, but may provide the rheumatologist with a kind of stethoscope that we have sorely lacked. In this issue, we have an excellent collection of articles that touches on some of the facets of ultrasound in rheumatology. Validation of ultrasound measures is dealt with expertly by Dr. Iagnocco et al. and Terslev et al. and sonoantomy in general and that of the wrist, carpus and ankle are discussed in detail by Dr. Moller and Saenz and Bong et al. Lastly, the use of ultrasound in skin conditions in general and in scleroderma in particular is dealt with. It appears that the applications of ultrasound are limitless and growing by the day. Indeed, we view the advent of ultrasound as a major change in the practice of rheumatology and will incorporate additional articles and hot topics on ultrasound over the next year.