MSK ULTRASOUND SCANS IN SOUTHAMPTON & FAREHAM
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MSK (Musculoskeletal) diagnostic ultrasound is a specialised imaging technique used to evaluate and diagnose conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissues. This type of ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of these structures, helping healthcare providers to:
1. Assess Injuries: Identify and evaluate tears, sprains, or strains in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
2. Detect Inflammation: Diagnose conditions like bursitis or tendinitis.
3. Evaluate Joint Problems: Examine joint effusions, synovitis, or other abnormalities.
4. Guide Procedures: Assist in guiding injections, aspirations, or biopsies with precision (injections not currently performed at Watt Health.
5. Monitor Healing: Track the progress of healing in injured tissues.
MSK diagnostic ultrasound is non-invasive, safe, dynamic, provides real-time imaging, and does not involve ionising radiation, making it a safe and effective tool for diagnosing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnostic ultrasound is used to evaluate a variety of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. Some of the conditions that can be assessed include:
1. Tendon and Ligament Injuries:
– Tendinitis and tendinosis
– Tendon tears and ruptures (e.g., Achilles tendon, rotator cuff)
– Ligament sprains and tears (e.g., ankle sprain, knee ligament sprain/tear, skiers thumb)
2. Muscle Disorders:
– Muscle tears and strains
– Muscle hernias
– Myositis (inflammation of the muscles)
3. Joint Conditions:
– Joint effusions (fluid accumulation)
– Synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane)
– Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis changes
– Cartilage damage
4. Nerve Conditions:
– Nerve entrapments (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
– Peripheral nerve injuries
– Neuromas (nerve tumors)
5. Soft Tissue Masses:
– Cysts (e.g., Baker’s cyst)
– Lipomas (benign fatty tumors)
– Ganglion cysts
6. Bursitis:
– Inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints)
7. Foreign Bodies:
– Detection and localization of foreign objects within soft tissues
8. Bone Conditions:
– Cortical bone irregularities
– Stress fractures
9. Post-Surgical Complications:
– Assessment of post-surgical soft tissue and tendon integrity
– Detection of fluid collections or hematomas
MSK ultrasound is valuable for its ability to provide dynamic assessment, allowing the examiner to evaluate structures during movement and identify issues that may not be visible in static imaging techniques.
When undergoing a diagnostic ultrasound scan, here’s what you can generally expect:
1. Preparation:
– Clothing: You may be asked to wear loose-fitting clothing or a gown provided by the facility.
– Instructions: Depending on the area being scanned, you might receive specific instructions, such as fasting or having a full bladder.
2. During the Scan:
– Positioning: You will lie down on an examination table. The sonographer (ultrasound technician) may ask you to change positions to get better images.
– Gel Application: A water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area to be examined. This gel helps the ultrasound probe make secure contact with your body and eliminates air pockets that can block sound waves.
– Using the Probe: The sonographer will press the ultrasound probe (transducer) against your skin and move it around the area being examined. The probe emits sound waves and captures the echoes that bounce back to create images on a monitor.
– Real-Time Imaging: The images are displayed in real time on a screen, allowing the sonographer to capture specific views and measurements.
3. Duration:
– The scan typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity and area being examined.
4. Comfort:
– Ultrasound scans are generally painless. You may feel slight pressure from the probe, but it should not be uncomfortable. If you experience any discomfort, inform the sonographer.
5. Post-Scan:
– Clean-Up: The gel will be wiped off your skin.
– Immediate Activity: You can usually resume normal activities immediately after the scan.
6. Results:
– Preliminary Information: The sonographer may not discuss the results with you immediately. The images will be reviewed by a radiologist or specialist.
– Report: A detailed report will be sent to your referring healthcare provider, who will discuss the findings with you and explain any further steps or treatment if necessary.
Overall, a diagnostic ultrasound is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure that provides valuable information for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions.
