What is a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound scan?
During a musculoskeletal ultrasound, a hand-held scanning device called a transducer is pressed on your skin. The transducer sends out inaudible, high-pitched sound waves that travel through the body.
Denser substances such as bone reflect the waves back while liquid, including water, allows the waves to pass through. The transducer converts wave activity into accurate pictures of muscle, tendon, and other structures.
Why I might need
this scan?
It is used to help diagnose
Sprains
Strains
Tears
Trapped nerves
Arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
This scan can demonstrate
the presence of:
Tendon tears or tendinitis of the rotator cuff in the shoulder
Achilles tendon in the ankle
Ligament sprains or tears.
Inflammation or fluid (effusions) within the bursae and joints.
Early changes of rheumatoid arthritis.
Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Ganglion cysts.
Hernias.
How to
prepare?
Depending on the location of the region, you may need to remove some clothing and wear a hospital gown.
A warm lubricating gel is applied to your skin to allow the probe to move smoothly.
No further preparation is required for this scan
What do I get with
this scan?
A radiologist’s written report of the findings will be provided to your referring practitioner, with images where necessary, to demonstrate abnormal findings.
