Ultrasound (US) signs, which could be helpful for diagnosis and/or treatment of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, were described.

70 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (40 cases) and psoriatic arthritis (25 cases) were enrolled in this study. US test was done using Sonora Logic 400 MD with 7,5 and 10 MHz probes. The articular bony heads, the articular space, the thickness of the extensor tendon and of the dermis and hypodermis covering it, were studied.

The ultrasonographic images showed in the arthritis the bony and/or the inflammatory damages. The former appeared by the US shape of the phalanx, the latter by the reduction of the articular space and by the thickness of the tendon and of the skin covering it.

The US test allows showing, in only one image, the bony damages and/or inflammatory signs of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis of phalanges