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Frequently Asked Questions about Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Ultrasound is being increasingly used in the examination of the muscles, tendons and joints. Ultrasound can be of use in evaluating these structures for signs of degeneration or injury. Abnormal fluid collections and masses in and around the joints can be imaged. Ultrasound of muskuloskeletal structures does not require any radiation exposure, is painless and can sometimes be used in place of more expensive imaging methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) depending upon the information the physician requires of the test.

The most commonly examined joints include:

• Shoulders for rotator cuff tears.

• Knees for tendon rupture, tendonitis, cyst formation.

• Achilles tendons (foot) for tendon rupture, tendonitis.

Sample Images:

Biceps tendon (arm)	Shoulder tendon (long view)

Biceps tendon (short view)	Shoulder tendon (short view)