The human musculoskeletal system is comprised of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and connective tissue. This system helps our bodies move and protects our internal organs from damage. At Midstate Radiology Associates, ultrasound images of the musculoskeletal system may help to identify sprains, tears, soft tissue tumors, cysts, fluid collections and more irregularities within the body.
What Is a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to produce pictures from inside the body. Using a transducer and ultrasound gel, our radiologists can view and analyze live images on a connected monitor. With this technology, we can diagnose conditions in real-time and get started on developing customized treatment plans after your very first appointment.
Who Should Have This Procedure?
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a safe imaging method that can be used to identify a wide variety of medical conditions. Oftentimes, the reason behind a patient’s pain is not as cut-and-dry as a broken bone. When you experience unexplained discomfort or suspect you have a chronic disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, a musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide an accurate diagnosis. Other common conditions identified by ultrasound include muscle masses, carpal tunnel syndrome, hernias and foreign objects lodged in the soft tissues.
What You Can Expect
Ultrasounds are painless and do not require any special preparation prior to the appointment. It is requested you wear loose-fitting clothing for comfort and to help the radiologist easily access the area being examined. Patients may be asked to lay flat on the exam table or on their side, depending on the extremity being screened. There is no intimidating medical equipment involved, beyond the tranducer and ultrasound gel.
Ultrasound screenings are sensitive to movement, so please keep young patients calm. As there are no needles or injections required, children can rest assured the exam will be easy!
Is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound the right procedure for you? Contact us to make an appointment today!
