Diagnostic Ultrasound Scans:

What is a diagnostic ultrasound scan?

A diagnostic ultrasound scan is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body. It can be used to diagnose various musculoskeletal injuries, such as tendon tears, ligament sprains, and muscle strains. We commonly use it to diagnose the cause of shoulder pain, knee pain and elbow pain – as well as other areas.

How can ultrasound scans be used to diagnose musculoskeletal injuries?

Ultrasound scans are a highly effective tool for diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries. By sending sound waves through the tissues, it is possible to evaluate and diagnose soft tissue injuries, including tendon tears, ligament sprains, and muscle strains. Ultrasound images can show not only the injury itself but also the extent of the damage, helping to provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Benefits of using an ultrasound scan for diagnosis?

Using ultrasound to diagnose musculoskeletal injuries has many benefits. It is highly accurate, non-invasive, painless, and can be performed quickly and easily. Superficial joints, such as the shoulder joint, are easily seen with ultrasound. Ultrasound scans are also more cost-efficient than other diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and MRI scans.

Type of Musculoskeletal Injuries Diagnosed with Ultrasound Scans?

Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, including sports injuries, tendon tears, ligament sprains, and muscle strains. Injuries including rotator cuff tears (shoulder pain), patella tendonitis (knee pain) and tennis elbow (elbow pain) are all easily diagnosed with Ultrasound.

Ultrasound images can show the extent of the injury as well as any associated inflammation or fluid accumulation. The results of the scan can then be used to determine the course of treatment for the injury.

Sports Injuries:

Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a variety of sports injuries, including ankle sprains, knee ligament tears, shoulder pain, rotator cuff tendinitis, non-specific knee pain and hamstring strains.

Tendon Injuries:

Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a variety of tendon injuries, including tears, tendinitis, and ruptures to the Rotator Cuff tendons, Achilles Tendon, Wrist and Hand tendons and Patellar tendon.

Ligament and Joint Injuries:

Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a variety of ligament tears, including MCL injuries (knee ligament injury), ankle ligament injuries, shoulder labral tears, and meniscus and knee cartilage tears (knee joint injury). Ultrasound images can show the extent of the injury as well as any associated inflammation.

Muscle Injuries:

Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a variety of muscle injuries, including strains, contusions, and tears. Ultrasound images can show the extent of the injury to categorise it and predict the recovery time.