Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
We are one of the only facilities in the area offering complete, high level diagnostic ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system: shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, hips, thighs, knees, ankles, feet, toes, chest wall, and muscles.
What your exam covers
Your evaluation includes the ligaments, tendons, joints, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues in the area your doctor wants examined. The results can give you the answer you are looking for, rule conditions out, or give your doctor the information needed to decide the next step in treatment.
We also offer hand and foot ultrasound for rheumatology evaluation, including arthritis studies.
Why ultrasound over MRI
- No radiation exposure
- Generally much quicker than an MRI
- Shows motion and movement in real time
- Can visualize blood flow
- Costs far less than MRI, CT, or X-ray
Ultrasound is especially helpful if you are allergic to CT or MRI contrast dye, feel claustrophobic in scanners, do not fit comfortably in traditional equipment, or have a condition where ultrasound is the preferred method of diagnosis.
Findings from our own exams
Musculoskeletal studies performed at Ultrasound First. Because ultrasound images in real time, we can also scan a joint while you move it, which no MRI can do.
Achilles tendon tear
The gap where the tendon has pulled apart, visible without radiation or a scanner tunnel.
Full thickness rotator cuff tear
A complete tear of the supraspinatus tendon in the shoulder, one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Calf muscle bleed
An intramuscular hematoma in the gastrocnemius, a frequent cause of sudden calf pain after a strain.
Morel-Lavallee lesion
Fluid collecting between tissue layers in the calf after an injury, measured here at 7.7 cm.
All images and clips were captured on our own equipment and contain no patient information.
Common questions
What does a musculoskeletal ultrasound exam cover?
Your evaluation includes the ligaments, tendons, joints, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues in the area your doctor wants examined. The results can give you the answer you are looking for, rule conditions out, or give your doctor the information needed to decide the next step in treatment.
What are the advantages of ultrasound over MRI?
Ultrasound has no radiation exposure, is generally much quicker than an MRI, shows motion and movement in real time, can visualize blood flow, and costs far less than MRI, CT, or X-ray.
Who benefits most from ultrasound instead of CT or MRI?
Ultrasound is especially helpful if you are allergic to CT or MRI contrast dye, feel claustrophobic in scanners, do not fit comfortably in traditional equipment, or have a condition where ultrasound is the preferred method of diagnosis.
Do I need a doctor’s order for a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
Yes. Talk to your doctor about an order, then book your appointment online or call (314) 782-2034.
Ready to schedule?
Talk to your doctor about an order, then book online or give us a call.