Diagnostic ultrasound: musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of different muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints throughout the body.
What to Expect from a diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
During the procedure, a small probe called a transducer and a small amount of gel are placed on the skin and then high frequency sound waves travel from the probe to the gel and into the body. The probe then collects the sounds that bounce back. The computer then actually begins to use the sound waves to create an image. Since the computer uses sound waves, the patient does not have to worry about radiation as they would if, for instance, they used an x-ray.
Therefore, it is a safe procedure, noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation.
Ultrasound imaging of the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand, fingers, hip, thigh, knee, calf, ankle, foot, abdominal and chest wall, muscles, and toes is possible.
You really do not need to do any form of special preparations before the procedure starts. However, you can speak to the doctor and staff if it is that you have any concerns later.
We use ultrasound to produce specific diagnoses if you or your doctor suspect you have any of the following:
- shoulder impingement
- rotator cuff tear
- arthritis
- biceps tear
- muscle and tendon tear
- AC joint separation
- joint effusions
- cysts
- tumors
- tennis elbow
- golfers elbow
- cubital tunnel syndrome
- ulnar neuropathy
- tendonitis
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- synovitis
- collateral ligament injury of the thumb or fingers
- trigger finger
- hip bursitis
- hip pain
- hip fusion
- hamstrings injuries
- gluteal tendon tear
- trochanteric bursitis
- piriformis syndrome
- iliopsoas bursitis
- iliotibial band syndrome
- bursitis of the knee
- quadriceps tear
- any tendon tear
- muscle tear
- hamstrings tear
- baker’s cyst
- meniscal cyst
- patellar tendon tear
- calf injury or pain
- perineal nerve injuries
- perineal neuropathy
- Achilles tendon tear or tendonitis or bursitis
- perineal tendon abnormalities
- flexor tendon abnormalities
- extensor tendon of the ankle and foot injuries
- sinus tarsi cyst
- gout
- turf toe
- plantar plate injuries of the toes
- Morton’s neuroma
- adventitial bursitis
- arthritis of the foot and ankle
- arthritis of the toes
- digital nerve injury
- Baxter’s neuropathy
- plantar fasciitis
- plantar fascia tear
- foreign bodies (splinters)
- fibromatosis of the foot, and more…
Recovery
Since the exam is non invasive, there are no real special instructions for during or after its completion. It usually takes less than 20 minutes to complete, often times less. Once the results are complete, you will have to discuss them with your physician. From there, they will guide you through the best treatment plan according to your needs. Your normal activities and routine should not be affected by the procedure outside of your actual injuries.
Find out more about our services.
Our doctors are always available and ready to assist. They are board certified and fellowship trained radiologists with years of experience.
If you need a musculoskeletal ultrasound or any of our other services, book your appointment online now!
Appointments are available on the same day or the next business day in most cases!