Methodological Standardization in Knee Joint Ultrasound: A Comprehensive Research Procedure

Background: Knee ultrasonography is a key diagnostic and research tool for evaluating joint effusion, synovitis, tendon, and ligament integrity. Despite its widespread use, methodological inconsistencies across studies—ranging from patient positioning to probe settings—limit reproducibility and cross-study comparability.
Objective: To outline a standardized, evidence-based procedure for knee joint ultrasound suitable for research applications, aligning with international guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and reproducibility.
Methods: A comprehensive research framework was developed incorporating standardized participant selection, equipment calibration, scanning parameters, patient positioning, and both static and dynamic maneuvers
Results: Implementing standardized ultrasound protocols minimizes measurement variability, improves the accuracy of synovial and vascularity assessment, and enhances longitudinal monitoring of therapeutic responses.
Conclusion: Methodological standardization in knee ultrasound strengthens data validity, promotes reproducibility, and facilitates integration of imaging biomarkers into clinical and translational musculoskeletal research. The outlined framework serves as a template for future multicenter and longitudinal ultrasound studies.

Knee ultrasound; musculoskeletal imaging; methodological standardization; dynamic ultrasound; research protocol.

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