Diagnostic Ultrasound

Diagnostic Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging modality used for many purposes in medicine. It provides cross-sectional images of body parts, and can assess blood flow within them. There is no radiation exposure, as it uses high frequency sound waves.

One of the fastest growing areas of ultrasound imaging is musculoskeletal scanning. Ultrasound can now obtain excellent images of tendons, bursa, muscles, joint spaces and other soft tissue areas in and around the limbs. Ultrasound not only takes cross-sectional views of the anatomy and pathology of the joints, but real time dynamic movements of joints can also be assessed.

Diagnostic Ultrasound differs from therapeutic ultrasound, in the intensity of the beam- ultrasound for therapy is used to produce heat in a small area which needs repair, whereas diagnostic ultrasound will not produce heat and is used only as an imaging tool.

Method: A water soluble gel is placed on the skin, and a hand held probe, which is attached to an ultrasound machine, is moved around the area of interest by a qualified ultrasound technologist. The technologist watches real time images on the monitor of the machine, and stores images as needed for the radiologist to interpret. The radiologist (a doctor specialized in this field) then reports the findings to the physician who has ordered the test. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to perform, and is painless.

For a more comprehensive look at Diagnostic Ultrasound - Musculoskeletal