Recently, my office has begun utilizing ultrasound for the
diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. There are
numerous benefits for the use of ultrasound in orthopedics. For one, ultrasound
is a non-invasive exam that allows for a high resolution evaluation in real
time. This is a wonderful tool for diagnosis. A second use of ultrasound is for
performing guided needle procedures. By using ultrasound for guided injections,
we can ensure the exact path of the injection.
What can be diagnosed using ultrasound?
Musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used to evaluate the following:- Tendons
- Partial and full thickness tears
- Degeneration
- Scar tissue formation
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Tears
- Soft-tissues
- Masses
- Cysts
- Calcification
- Joints
- Effusions
- Loose bodies
- Hematomas
What procedures are performed?
- Aspiration and/or injection of joints
- Tendon origin injections (i.e. tennis elbow)
- Bursa injections and aspirations
- Aspiration of cysts, fluid collections and abscesses
- Lavage and aspiration of tendon calcifications
- Injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Ultrasound is allowing procedures to be safely performed in
the office that historically could not have been treated. For example, we had a
patient recently with a painful cyst behind her leg. In the past, we would have
had leave the cyst alone because blindly aspirating could increase the risk of
damaging surrounding tissues, blood vessels and nerves. With ultrasound, we
were able to locate and aspirate the cyst right in the office. Ultrasound
allowed us to find the cyst, correctly position the needle and watch the cyst
disappear. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound provides physicians with the ability to
differentiate between cystic and solid and vascular from non-vascular lesions
adding a greater benefit for patient safety.
If you would like to learn more about Musculoskeletal Ultrasound or to
make an appointment, please contact the office at 973-300-1553.
