초음파 영상의 원리 및 이해

Ultrasound is a sound wave beyond the audible frequency. Owing to technological development, the extent of use of ultrasound in orthopaedics is expanding. Ultrasound is produced by a piezoelectric effect and matter is requires for propagation. According to the characteristics of matter, the velocity of propagation differs and the images are the overall result of the interaction of reflection, refraction, absorption, scattering, transmission, and attenuation. The most important device is the transducer, which differs according to the array of piezoelectric elements and shapes the way it used and where it is used. Mode B is currently the most common image and many images which help to make diagnosis easier, such as doppler flow imaging, extended field of view imaging, compound imaging and three-dimensional imaging, are under developments. Ultrasound produces variable artifacts and during interpretation of ultrasound images, artifacts could interfere with correct diagnosis. In order to avoid creation of artifacts, profound knowledge of each artifact is needed. Therefore, precise understanding and interpretation of the ultrasound image is essential for proper diagnosis and use of ultrasound.