Musculoskeletal Ultrasound/ Ultrasound Guided Injections
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce immediate images of the body without radiation. Ultrasound can evaluate “soft tissue” structures that are not seen well on x-ray, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Ultrasound can additionally provide information regarding joints, including whether there is fluid in the joint that can be drained. Although MRI is still the imaging technique of choice for certain deeper structures, ultrasound can provide greater detail of superficial structures compared to MRI. Musculoskeletal ultrasound may be an alternative to immediately and inexpensively evaluate certain conditions, potentially saving a trip to an expensive MRI. Ultrasound can help diagnose and determine the severity of numerous conditions.
Medical Director: Joshua Martin, MD, RMSK
Commonly Evaluated Conditions:
- Tendonitis/ tendinosis/ tendon tears (including the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, etc.)
- Bursitis
- Ligament sprains (including degree of ankle sprains)
- Peripheral nerve entrapments (carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome)
- Fascial disruption/ damage (plantar fasciitis)
- Muscle strains
- Tendon subluxations
- Cysts
Musculoskeletal ultrasound may also be used for injections, to ensure accuracy of the injection. The needle can be visualized inside a target joint, or in the precise location where a tendon demonstrates the maximum amount of damage. The use of ultrasound allows precision for:
- Nerve hydrodissection/ nerve blocks
- Scar tissue hydrodissection (loosening up tight, painful scar tissue)
- Joint injection/ aspiration (may also confirm completeness of excess joint fluid removal)
- Tendon sheath injection (safely inject into tendon sheath for biceps tendinitis, or trigger finger)
- Tendon mid-substance injection (especially for regenerative injections)
- Bursal injection for bursitis (precision to deposit medication in the bursa and not in tendon)
- Cyst drainage (needle visualization especially useful for complex or “multi-loculated” cysts)
