Ultrasound examination of the hand.

Twenty-five surgically confirmed soft-tissue lesions of the hand were examined prospectively by real-time ultrasound. Use of sonography enabled a reliable diagnosis of the cystic or solid nature of soft-tissue lesions, an accurate estimation of the volume, and precise three-dimensional localization of the abnormality. Sonography also facilitated the location of foreign bodies. Assessment of anatomic relationships of these lesions to tendons and surrounding structures by real-time sonography during palpation, flexion, and/or extension also aided in the surgical approach.