Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure to get real-time images or videos of tendons, joints, ligaments, and muscles of the body. It uses high-frequency sound waves that do not cause any harm. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is also a non-invasive technique that does not involve any cuts or needle use. 

It is performed to diagnose many conditions, such as trapped nerves, sprains, tears, and arthritis. 

Let’s explore more about it.

What are the Uses of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?

An ultrasound helps to view the internal body structure. Unlike X-rays and other diagnostic techniques, an ultrasound scan helps to get clear images of soft tissues. When your healthcare provider suspects an injury to your soft tissues, it may need an imaging test. 

When it comes to your muscles or soft tissues, a musculoskeletal ultrasound can help you in many ways, such as:

• Ligament sprains or tears
• Ganglion cysts
• Hernias
• Tendons tears in the shoulder or ankle
• Neck muscle abnormalities in infants 
• Benign and malignant soft tissue tumors
• Inflammation or fluid within joints and the bursae
• Nerve entrapments
• Soft tissue masses like lumps and bumps
• Fluid in the hip joint
• Dysplasia of the hip or its location
• Muscles tear or fluid collection

According to NCBI, it is also one of the best ways to view rheumatoid arthritis progress.

How A Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is Performed?

An ultrasound is an easy-to-perform procedure that helps in diagnosing diseases and health conditions. Technicians use a small transducer that sends sound waves through the skin. A gel is applied on the skin that makes it easy for the transducer to move.

A professional moves the transducer back and forth on your body to get real-time images of the soft tissues. You may need to wear a hospital gown as it makes it easy to perform this procedure. 

When the sound waves go inside and hit internal organs and tissues and fluid, they bounce back and create images on the computer screen. The technologist gets one or more images of the soft tissues.

It does not cause any pressure or pain, but you may experience slight discomfort. 

How to Prepare for a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?

You do not need to fast or drink plenty of water for a musculoskeletal ultrasound. You need to wear loose clothes and do not wear any jewelry. If you are here for your child’s ultrasound, you should explain the procedure. Because a crying child can increase the duration of this procedure.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure?

As we know, it is a painless, quick, and non-invasive procedure. It does not involve any incision, which makes it a speedy process. During the procedure, you only need to follow the directions of your technician. For example, you may need to change the body positions to make it easy for a technician to capture proper imaging. After the process, you do not need to wait, and you can continue your daily life activities. 

The most important benefit of musculoskeletal ultrasound is that it is capable to create dynamic images of soft tissues.

Why an Ultrasound is More Beneficial for Joints and Muscles?

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the body and help us to view the internal body structure. The other imaging tests use radiation that can cause some side effects. Experts share that using ultrasound equipment allows us to capture the soft tissues that we cannot get through other imaging tests. An X-ray can help to get a detailed view of a bone but it does not provide clear images of its surrounding tissues. The other benefit of using an ultrasound technique is that it captures the real-time movement of the muscles or other body functions. It helps a healthcare provider to better understand the issue.

People who have an injury or musculoskeletal pain can also have an ultrasound. A real-time image can help to see the surrounding area of the injury and how much it caused damage to the tissues. Healthcare providers can see and provide the right treatment plan.

Get the Best Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Service in Glasgow

If you have an injury or swollen bone surrounding tissues, get medical help. A healthcare provider asks for an ultrasound to view the soft tissues. If you live in Glasgow or nearby, RIZ Ultrasound, a known Joints & Muscle Ultrasound Clinic in Glasgow, can help you to get high-quality imaging tests. Our professionals perform a quick and safe ultrasound procedure without causing discomfort or pain. You can contact us and book your appointment anytime as we always welcome our patients and provide them the best imaging results.