Download Diagnostic Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Diagnostic Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a rapidly evolving modality that
provides dynamic and noninvasive imaging, which aids in the evaluation
and management of joint and soft tissue disorders. It provides imaging of
the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue.
How is the exam performed?
For most ultrasound exams of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system, the patient is
seated on an examination table or a chair. For some ultrasound exams the patient
is positioned lying face-up on an examination table that can be tilted or moved.
A clear water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help
the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets
between the transducer and the skin. The ultrasound technologist then presses
the transducer firmly against the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area
of interest or angling the sound beam from a farther location to better see an area
of concern.
An MSK ultrasound of an ankle
with tenosynovitis
An MSK ultrasound examination is usually completed within 15-30 minutes.
What are the benefits?
• Most ultrasound scanning is noninvasive (no needles or injections) and is
usually painless.
• Ultrasound is widely available, easy-to-use and less expensive than other
imaging methods.
• Ultrasound imaging does not use any ionizing radiation.
• Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up
well on X-ray images.
• Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it ideal for dynamic studies
(i.e. diagnosis of bicep tendon dislocation).
• Unlike the strong magnetic field of MRI, ultrasound is not affected by cardiac
pacemakers, ferromagnetic implants or fragments within the body.
• Ultrasound is excellent for imaging superficial structures such as small joints,
small lumps and bumps and superficial tendons.
Are there any risks or limitations?
For standard MSK ultrasound there are no known harmful effects. However,
ultrasound does have difficulty penetrating bone and therefore can only see
the outer surface of bony structures and not what lies within. For visualizing
internal structure of bones or certain joints, other imaging modalities such as
MRI are typically used.
For more information or to schedule an exam, please contact Centralized
Scheduling at (520) 733-7226 or visit www.radltd.com.
radltd.com | (520) 733-7226 |
Like us on Facebook |
MSK ultrasound can be used to
diagnose:
• A foreign body (i.e. cactus thorn,
wood splinter or toothpick)
• Abnormalities of muscles
and tendons (i.e. tears or
tenosynovitis)
• Bleeding or fluid collections
within the muscles, bursae, and
joints
• Rheumatoid/Inflammatory
arthritis, synovitis, tenosynovitis
and pain or inflammation of
joints
• Dynamic imaging (i.e. proximal
biceps tendon dislocation)
Sometimes patients with contraindications to MRI can benefit from
an MSK ultrasound. It can also be
helpful for patients who have a total
shoulder arthroplasty.
A TUCSON TRADITION FOR
MORE THAN 80 YEARS
80
Follow us on Twitter @RadLtd
Updated 09/14