What is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a type of imaging test that creates images of the inside of your body. This is a painless test that is done using a handheld device (transducer) that sends sound waves into your body.

The sound waves bounce back to the transducer and are sent to a computer. The computer makes moving images of your body that can be seen on the monitor. The images are recorded and saved.

These images help your health care provider learn more about your injury or condition. This type of ultrasound can be used on muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissues around muscles and joints.

Why do I need this procedure?

You may need this procedure to diagnose conditions such as:

• Tendon or ligament injuries.
• Muscle tears or tumors.
• Soft tissue tumors or cysts.
• Joint or nerve problems.
• Hernias.
• Foreign bodies that have entered soft tissue, such as splinters or glass.

What are the risks?

There are no risks associated with a musculoskeletal ultrasound. This procedure does not use radiation.

What happens before the procedure?

You will need to wear loose, comfortable clothing to the procedure. You may also be asked to remove all jewelry. No other preparation is needed.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will remove clothing that covers the part of your body that will be examined.
• A slippery gel will be rubbed over your skin. This helps the transducer slide easily over the skin.
• After you lie down on an exam table, the transducer will be moved back and forth over the affected area. You may feel pressure but not pain.
• Images of the inside of your body will be sent to the computer. You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath at times.
• When the procedure is over, the gel will be wiped off, and you can get dressed.
• Your images will be sent to your health care provider to be reviewed.

What can I expect after the procedure?

You can go home right after the procedure and return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider.

Follow these instructions at home:

• It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Summary

• A musculoskeletal ultrasound is an imaging test of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and the soft tissues around muscles and joints.
• Ultrasound imaging does not use radiation. There are no risks.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the procedure. You may also be asked to remove all jewelry.
• You can go home right after the procedure and return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider.