Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound imaging is a safe and effective way to diagnose issues of the Musculoskeletal (MSK) System. Ultrasound allows the doctor to visualize abnormalities associated with muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments and other soft tissue.
At VSMD, we utilize the latest in ultrasound imaging technology by using FDA approved ultrasound machines for greater accuracy and best results for our patients. A diagnostic ultrasound allows a comprehensive evaluation of the problem area and may include evaluation of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, soft tissues, and blood vessels. Ultrasound, sometimes called sonogram, is a type of imaging that can be done in the office. It does not expose the patient to radiation, in fact, it uses sound waves to create an image on the screen.
VSMD Approach
At VSMD, we fully utilize the power of ultrasound imaging to diagnose, treat, and prevent pain and injury. Our doctors specialize in the use of ultrasound to pinpoint tears, strains, degeneration, arthritis, nerve impingement and many other abnormalities associated with the musculoskeletal system. Our doctors also use ultrasound to ensure accurate needle placement during procedures and injections. Ultrasound imaging is not only safe and effective but it can be used in an office setting during the patient’s visit. It saves time and money for our patients compared to other traditional imaging such as X-Ray or MRI.
During the visit the doctor will determine if ultrasound imaging is necessary to diagnose an issue experienced by the patient. This is usually done after the doctor conducts a thorough medical evaluation including analyzing medical history and a physical examination. At VSMD, we utilize the latest in ultrasound imaging technology by using FDA approved ultrasound machines for greater accuracy and best results for our patients.
MSK Ultrasound Imaging
Benefits of MSK Ultrasound
Fast and economical way to diagnose injury and abnormalities
Detect developing problems and abnormalities in early stages
Real time and accurate needle placement during procedures and injections
Precise evaluation of soft tissue compared to other imaging
Conducted in an office setting
No radiation compared to x-ray or CT scan
Widely accessible and less expensive than other imaging
MSK Ultrasound to Visualize
Joints
Arthritis Changes to Joints
Muscle & Tendon Injuries
Ligament Tears
Tendonitis or Chronic Tendinosis
Bursitis
Soft Tissue Abnormalities
Nerve Entrapment
Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Joint, Muscle, Tendon & Ligament Injections
Injections for Soft Tissue
Regenerative Medicine
Viscosupplement Injection
Prolotherapy
Tenotomy
Aspiration of Fluid
Removal of Calcific Tendinosis
Nerve Block & Hydrodissection
Release Entrapped Nerve
Trigger Point Injections
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging has become and essential tool for many sports medicine doctors. It is available in the office. In many cases, this eliminates the need to send a patient to obtain an x-ray or MRI and wait for the results. Ultrasounding a problem area enhances the physical exam. It allows the doctor to “take a look inside” the problem area. Unlike x-ray, an ultrasound can provide information about soft tissue surrounding the problem area, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even bone. Not only does it allow visualization of these, a sports medicine physician can assess nerves and blood vessels too.
Due to the direct visualization of targeted musculoskeletal structures, even small changes can be seen. For example, someone who suffers from knee pain due to a recent fall may find out they have early stages of osteoarthritis. Even though this is not the primary concern at the time of the evaluation, the developing osteoarthritis can be addressed. The patient will be able to make modifications to help slow the progression of this new finding.
Not only is ultrasound used to evaluate the musculoskeletal system, it is used to precisely guide treatment procedures as well. At VSMD, all of our injections are done using ultrasound guidance. This allows our doctors to see the target of an injection or therapy and to directly visualize the needle placement. There are other subtle clues that our doctors are trained to recognize on ultrasound to further ensure the needle is in the correct location during a procedure. This technology removes any doubt that an injection is administered to a specific location compared to traditional injections done without the use of imaging guidance. In addition, VSMD doctors can perform these injections in the office. This is more cost effective for the patient and reduces the need to send a patient to a radiology center for an image guided injection.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound is a comprehensive evaluation of the problem area. Ultrasound, sometimes called sonogram, is a type of imaging that can be done in the office. It does not expose the patient to radiation, in fact, it uses sound waves to create an image on the screen.
A diagnostic ultrasound may include evaluation of a joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, other soft tissue, and blood vessels. During the diagnostic ultrasound, the patient may be instructed to hold a position or not move the area under evaluation (static exam) or the patient may be instructed to move in a certain way, such as to re-create their symptom (functional exam).
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound refers to the use of ultrasound to provide a therapy, such as a joint injection or tendon injection. The doctor will use ultrasound guidance to ensure therapy is directed to a precise location, the problem area. At VSMD, we utilize ultrasound imaging to perform joint, tendon, ligament, and other injections and procedures. The use of ultrasound imaging is the gold standard for in-office procedures. Without the use of ultrasound imaging, the procedure may not provide the best relief or work as intended. It is critical that the medicine is administered to the problem or injury area of the body.
Contact VSMD to get additional information about the benefits of ultrasound guided procedures.