What is Ultrasound Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System?
Ultrasound or sonography involves sending sound waves into the body. These sound waves are reflected off the internal organs and are then interpreted by special instruments that create an image of anatomic parts. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound images are captured in real-time so they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and the flow of blood in the arteries and veins.
An ultrasound image is a useful way of examining the musculoskeletal system of the body to detect problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue. Ultrasound images are captured in real time, so they can often show movement, function and anatomy, as well as enable radiologists to diagnose a variety of conditions and assess damage after an injury or illness.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Ultrasound images can be useful in diagnosing tendon tears, such as tears of the rotator cuff in the shoulder or Achilles tendon in the ankle. Abnormalities of the muscles can also be seen, such as tears and soft-tissue masses. Bleeding or other fluid collections within the muscles, bursae and joints can also be detected. Ultrasound has not proven useful in the diction of whiplash injuries or other causes of back pain.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
What does the equipment look like?
The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The radiologist or sonographer watches this screen during an examination and captures representative images for storage. Often the patient is able to see it as well.
How does the procedure work?
How is the procedure performed?
When the examination is complete, the patient may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed. Often, though, the sonographer or radiologist is able to review the ultrasound images in real time as they are acquired, and the patient can be released immediately.
What will I experience during the procedure?
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist (a physician experienced in ultrasound and other radiology examinations) will analyze the images and send a signed report with his or her interpretation to the patient’s personal physician. The patient receives ultrasound results from the referring physician who ordered the test results.
What are the benefits vs. risks?
Benefits
- Ultrasound scanning is usually painless and non-invasive.
- Ultrasound is widely available and easy to use.
- Ultrasound imaging uses no ionizing radiation.
- Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures, such as cortisone injections, needle biopsies and aspiration of fluid in joints or elsewhere.
- Unlike the strong magnetic field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound is not affected by cardiac pacemakers, ferromagnetic implants or fragments within the body. Ultrasound is also an excellent alternative to MRI for claustrophobic patients.
- Ultrasound may actually have advantages over MRI in seeing tendon structure, which is better appreciated by ultrasound than MRI.
Risks
For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans.
What are the limitations of Ultrasound Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System?
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