Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound offers an excellent complimentary imaging technique to traditional methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) studies. The reasons are simple; ultrasound is the most cost effective imaging procedure available other than plain x-ray. Unlike CT and x-ray, ultrasound is effective at imaging soft tissue. In addition, musculoskeletal ultrasound is a dynamic imaging technique – allowing the physician to evaluate function through range of motion planes. This allows pathology to be seen that may not be visible in a static CT or MRI, such as shoulder impingement. Most importantly, ultrasound is non-painful, non-invasive, emits no radiation, and allows the patient to watch while his/her anatomic structures are being imaged on a video monitor. Unlike other imaging modalities, claustrophobia is not a concern for patients who undergo a sonogram. Likewise, there are no contraindications (like allergic reactions or fasting restrictions) associated with a sonographic analysis.
Interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is also an excellent guidance technique for injections into joints or other musculoskeletal regions, particularly shoulders CROM physicians regularly use ultrasound guidance for in-office injections, including peripheral joint injections, Piriformis injections, Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, and Stem Cell therapy.