Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Who Should Get a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
Anyone experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms can be a candidate for this procedure. Because a musculoskeletal ultrasound is non-invasive and practically risk-free, it is suitable for children, older adults, pregnant women and patients with chronic health conditions.
Athletes and others experiencing acute or chronic injury are usual candidates for this exam. Your doctor may also order a musculoskeletal ultrasound if you have unexplained muscle or joint pain, with or without inflammation. Unusual bleeding in muscles and joints, masses and infections are other reasons for this exam.
If your symptoms worsen with movement, an ultrasound exam is more likely to capture where the problem is than with other forms of imaging.
Preparing for Your Exam
After you book your ultrasound at Cayman Surgery, you will be provided with instructions on how to prepare for your appointment. No special preparation is needed for an ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system, but as a rule, patients are advised to:
- Arrive 10 minutes early and bring your doctor’s referral, health documents and ID Card.
- Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that you can easily remove and leave jewelry at home.
- Plan to be at our offices for up to an hour.
You can eat and take your medication as you usually do before your appointment. The exam takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the complexity of the problem.
During Your Exam
A specialist called a sonographer will be the one performing your exam. They may ask you to undress, and you will be given a gown. But this isn’t always necessary and depends on the area being examined.
Depending on which exam is being performed, you will be asked to lie or sit on a padded table. The sonographer will apply a clear gel to the area being examined and move a probe (transducer) back and forth. Images of interest will appear on a monitor nearby. Your sonographer may ask you to move the joint being examined or may move it for you.
You won’t feel any pain or pressure during this procedure unless the examined area is inflamed and tender. Taking an OTC pain reliever before your exam can help minimize discomfort.
After Your Exam
Once the imaging is complete, the sonographer will wipe off the conductive gel from your skin. You can resume your normal routine after the exam. In the meantime, the sonographer will send your imaging to a radiologist who will interpret your results and provide a written report for your referring doctor. For emergency cases, results are available within 2 hours.
If we find any issues, you may need a follow-up exam. Your doctor will explain why you may need to undergo further testing using other imaging techniques. If you need to receive treatment for musculoskeletal issues, a follow-up exam helps your doctor see if the treatment is working.
Make an Appointment for Ultrasound
To make an appointment for an ultrasound or request pricing, please call our office today at +1 345 939 1282 or +1 345 946 0067. You can email your doctor’s referral form to office@caymansurgery.ky. Please don’t forget to provide your phone number. We will contact you to make an appointment. If you do not have a doctor's referral you should get one during your next visit.
FAQS
Is a musculoskeletal ultrasound safe?
Unlike other imaging procedures, ultrasound does not use radiation but high-frequency sound waves. While these soundwaves do produce some biological effects, they have been found to have an excellent safety record after nearly six decades of use.
Who performs musculoskeletal ultrasounds?
Sonographers such as Tatiana Kosinchar who have special training in examining the musculoskeletal system usually perform this exam. The results are interpreted by radiologists or other accredited medical doctors.
What will a musculoskeletal ultrasound show?
It will show muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and nerves but not the bones. Ultrasound waves cannot penetrate bone tissue; they can only echo back from soft tissues surrounding the bones. An ultrasound exam will show any injury, cysts, tumors or other unusual changes in these structures that warrant treatment.
Does a musculoskeletal ultrasound show inflammation?
Ultrasound is used in rheumatology practice to detect inflammation in cases of inflammatory arthritis. It can also detect tissue swelling and increased blood flow, which would indicate inflammation. Often, a Doppler ultrasound can help find inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Does insurance cover musculoskeletal ultrasounds?
When ordered by a physician, musculoskeletal ultrasounds are usually covered by insurance. Bring your insurance card with you on the day of your exam.
