The use of ultrasound for diagnostic imaging has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years and is now the preferred approach for many applications, but according to experts the application with the biggest growth potential is imaging of the musculoskeletal system.
Major developments in the technology, which now provides a number of modes including grey scale, colour and power Doppler, spectral Doppler and elastography, allow accurate characterization of joint pathology; even the acquisition of dynamic, essentially isotropic 3D images is now possible. The biggest remaining challenge is reported to be the adequate training and monitoring of medical professionals to enable them to carry out this highly complex ultrasound application.
However, while patients ranging from young athletes with suspected torn tendons, muscles or ligaments to those suffering from chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis

The emerging European eHealth system depends on an asynchronous cocktail of technology development cycles, vendor push to adopt new products and solutions, as well as growing patient demands for less anonymous, personalized health intervention. Other factors making an impact are the often-significant divergences in hospital/healthcare cultures across EU Member States, coupled to significant differences in health and technology spending. This has been emphasized by new pressures on budgets and spending, after the end-2008 financial crisis.

The EU Commission has sought to bridge and buffer this array of cross-currents, while seeking to resolutely promote a common but effective eHealth agenda. It has sought to establish enabling rules and guidelines in order to level the playing field and provide transparent incentives for implementing eHealth projects, across the EU