Ultrasound Scans
MSK ultrasound is a commonly used modality to evaluate MSK tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and within limitations joints. It can be used as a cost-effective, efficient, patient-centered method to diagnose pathologies such as tendinopathies carpal tunnel, shoulder impingement, and osteoarthritis. It provides accurate guidance for interventions like guided injections.
At The Arthritis Clinic Ltd we use ultrasound as part of our clinical examination known as Point of contact ultrasound or POCUS. Your clinician will take a detailed history from you, perform a physical examination and use ultrasound to help guide a diagnosis and treatment plan. The results of your examination will be provided on an official clinical letter after the consultation.
What to expect
For a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound scan, we don’t require you to prepare in any specific way although for general well-being and health and the best results from any medical treatment, we recommend you are well hydrated.
A gel is applied to the area of the body that requires the scan and the end of the handheld scanner. The gel allows the sound waves to transmit between the two better, giving a clearer vision on the screen. You will be able to see the needle entering the space and the fluid leaving the needle into the area of the body where it is targeted. See below for examples of previous Ultrasound scans.
