Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging (MSK US)

MSK ultrasound imaging (MSK US) is a noninvasive, safe, and cost effective tool used to assist clinicians when differentiating between two or more similar conditions, and obtaining a more accurate and effective evaluation and solution. It's purpose is not to replace MRI, X-Ray, or CT scan, but rather serve as an additional means for diagnostic imaging that is readily available in the clinic. Ultrasound is effective for examination of the extremities for musculoskeletal diseases affecting all soft tissue structures. MSK US offers a dynamic perspective of tendons, muscle, and ligaments in motion compared to static imaging of your usual imaging techniques.

MSK US can be utilized in situations of:

• Pain or dysfunction
• Soft tissue injury or bone injury
• Tendon or ligament pathology
• Arthritis, synovitis, crystal deposition disease
• Intra-Articular bodies
• Joint effusion
• Nerve entrapment injury, neuropathy, masses, or subluxation
• Evaluation of soft tissue masses, swelling, fluid collections
• Detection of foreign bodies in superficial soft tissue
• Congential or development anomalies
• Motor weakness
• and more!

 MSK US can compliment or be an alternative tool to an MRI:

• MSK US allows real time dynamic evaluation of the patient with instant images
• The ultrasound probe can be placed exactly where the patient is feeling pain
• MSK US has a more flexible field of view
• MSK US can differentiate between fluid and solid material
• MSK US can resolve finer details than MRI
• and more!

MSK US can be used with ANY patient, even patients with surgical hardware, pace makers, kidney problems, significant co-morbidities, patients who are pregnant, or patients with any other restrictions that don't allow for an MRI. There is no transfer of radiation or creation of electrical fields.

MSK US is covered by insurance and cost effective compared to the pricing of an MRI or CT scans; and provides real time results. It is an inexpensive solution that can offer a fast and accurate answer to your problem, and can be used to guide the patient through the next steps in care.