Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is used by many Sport & Exercise Medicine specialists within the consultation to supplement their clinical assessment and to confirm a diagnosis when there is a problem in the musculoskeletal system.

Ultrasound is free of radiation, so it is safe and painless. High frequency sound waves are used which bounce back and are interpreted into a picture by the computer in real-time.  These reveal different types of tissue and bone, as well as identify the presence of fluid and can identify movement as they are in real-time, so how movement affects the area of pain or concern.  Muscles, joints, tendons and other body structures may be visualised.

MSK ultrasound can be used to help diagnose the cause of musculoskeletal pain or issues.  The types of injuries and conditions this may identify are:

Tendon tears or tendonitis

Bursitis in the joints

Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Ligament sprains and tears

Muscle tears or fluid collections

Arthritis

Because within the appointment, musculoskeletal ultrasound can be done alongside a full musculoskeletal assessment, it avoids delay between scans, diagnosis and treatment.