Musculoskeletal
Ultrasound

MSK Ultrasound

Ultrasound Services

Abdominal Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound

Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound

Automated Breast Ultrasound

Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Obstetrical Ultrasound

Non Invasive Prenatal Testing

Pelvic Ultrasound

The Intrauterine Assessment Program (IAP)

Scrotal Ultrasound

Thyroid Ultrasound

Vascular Ultrasound

What is a musculoskeletal ultrasound?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasounds can be an important tool in assessing the muscles and joints. Like other ultrasounds, a transducer is used in the area of interest to create real-time images of the tissue. One advantage of MSK ultrasound is the ability to use dynamic movements in order to reproduce symptoms or assess structures to aid in diagnosis.

What is a musculoskeletal ultrasound?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasounds are an important tool in helping diagnose a variety of patient ailments. Like other ultrasounds, a transducer is used in the affected area to create real-time images. Often, dynamic movements are used while the technician is performing the ultrasound. These movements can be essential in reproducing the patients’ symptoms. The advantage of MSK ultrasound is that with dynamic movements, real-time images can capture very clear images of the affected area.

FAQs

Why has my care provider ordered an MSK ultrasound?

There are several reasons that an MSK ultrasound may have been ordered. Ultrasound is utilized to show the soft tissues, including muscle, ligament, tendon, joint spaces, and even nerves. This can be beneficial when diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries, and determining causes of pain.

How do I prepare for my MSK ultrasound?

On the day of the exam, wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being scanned. You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the area being assessed. No other special preparation is needed.

What can I expect at my appointment?

During an MSK ultrasound the sonographer may ask you to sit on the exam table, on a swivel chair, or lie face up or face down. The skin over the area to be examined will be covered with a small amount of gel and the sonographer will then move the transducer over your skin to capture the images of the tissue below.

During the ultrasound, you may be asked to move the joint or limb being examined in order to evaluate the anatomy and mobility of the joint, muscle, ligament, or tendon.

An MSK ultrasound exam is typically painless and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete, although some exams may take longer.

Are there any risks associated with my MSK ultrasound?

MSK ultrasounds do not provide any exposure to radiation. It is not the same as an X-ray. Patients may experience slight discomfort while reproducing their symptoms during the procedure, or minor discomfort due to the positioning or pressure of the transducer on the affected area.