MSK Ultrasound Specialist

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technology that has vital applications, including examining internal organs and checking on the development of the fetus if you’re pregnant. At Orthopedic Ultrasound, Inc., they specialize in using ultrasound for musculoskeletal disorders and unsolved joint pain.

The state-of-the-art MSK ultrasound they use can help with the diagnosis of all types of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, including acute injuries like ligament sprains and muscle and tendon strains, and chronic conditions like arthritis.

MSK ultrasound is the safest type of diagnostic technology — in fact, there have never been any cases of harmful outcomes following an ultrasound scan.

How does MSK ultrasound work?

MSK ultrasound or sonography works by creating sound waves that bounce back when they strike your tissues. The sound waves come from a probe that the technician moves across your skin. They use a special gel to lubricate your skin, so the probe slides easily across.

As the sound waves bounce back, the probe collects them and transfers them to the computer software. The software translates the echoing sound waves into moving images that you can see on a monitor.

A major advantage is the ability to perform the exam on the spot. The technologist is side-by-side with the patient allowing the opportunity to pinpoint the exact site of pain. They can then quickly compare to see the side without pain versus the side with damage. MSK ultrasound doesn’t use ionizing radiation like X-rays and CT scans, and unlike MRI technology, ultrasound is unaffected by ferromagnetic implants. This makes it the safest form of diagnostic imaging technology available. In addition, it is a cost-effective alternative to MRIs, as it can be performed at a fraction of the cost.

MSK ultrasound is the new gold standard in evaluating orthopedic problems in children. With MSK ultrasound, you receive high-quality diagnostic information in the cleanest, safest, and most comfortable environment.

What conditions can MSK ultrasound diagnose?

MSK ultrasound is useful for diagnosing more than soft tissue injuries, including:

• Tendinitis
• Pinched nerves
• Tumors
• Hernias
• Ganglion cysts
• Dislocations

If you suspect you may have an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, or other forms of inflammatory arthritis, an ultrasound can detect joint inflammation. MSK ultrasound is also useful for foreign body identification, where there’s something stuck in your muscles or joints that’s causing pain and possibly infection.

Are there other uses for MSK ultrasound?

As well as its invaluable role in diagnosis, MSK ultrasound can play a crucial part in delivering injectable medicines to joints and tissues.

Treatments such as steroid injections, nerve blocks, and regenerative medicine therapies require pinpoint accuracy to deliver the medication where it’s most needed and avoid any damage to surrounding nerves or blood vessels.

MSK ultrasound is one of the most efficient methods of directing needle-guided procedures like these. It allows the physician to see the needle clearly during an injection procedure, to ensure optimal accuracy and therefore optimal results from the treatment.

Regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell therapy, and liquid amnion are often expensive and rarely covered by insurance. It’s essential that these valuable medicines reach the target area safely.

How do I get a musculoskeletal ultrasound?

All the benefits of MSK ultrasound are available from Orthopedic Ultrasound, Inc., one of the few specialist practices to offer these services in the United States.

They can give you instant results, without you having to battle Los Angeles traffic, and the test takes just 20-30 minutes per limb. Orthopedic Ultrasound, Inc.’s expert team helps you find the cause of your pain and guides you to the right treatment.

Call today to find out more, or book an appointment online.