Abstract

Cortical breaks are a common feature in periarticular bone, even in healthy individuals. The true nature of a cortical break sometimes is difficult to determine. Therefore, high-resolution imaging techniques (such as musculoskeletal ultrasound) as well as well profound knowledge of the anatomy are needed in order to not overestimate the amount of pathological cortical breaks (i.e. erosions) and correctly discern them from nutritive vascular channels.

The session focusses on pathological and physiological cortical breaks in healthy elderly individuals as well as patients with inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. After the lecture and demonstration the participant should be able to better understand and categorize cortical breaks.