Muscular-skeletal Ultrasound

Ultrasound utilises sound waves to produce images. These waves pass through the body and the various structures. Depending on the structure (e.g. whether it is bone, muscle, tendon or ligament), a portion of the wave is reflected back and can form an image. The advantage of ultrasound is that there is no exposure to radiation, unlike with X-rays or CT scans.

To supplement the clinical examination, the physician may choose to use musculoskeletal ultrasound to better map out the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments and nerves. This allows the physician to look more closely at the tears, inflammation and fluid.

With some injections, the physician uses ultrasound in order to place the injection more precisely. For intra-joint injections, this helps confirm that the injection is indeed in the joint.

Latest publication date: 21/12/2023