What is a musculoskeletal ultrasound used for?

Your specialist, general practitioner or physiotherapist may have referred you for a musculoskeletal or foreign body ultrasound scan to diagnose abnormalities within the soft tissues surrounding bones and joints.

Damage and other abnormalities within the following tissues may be viewed using ultrasound:

• Muscles: injury, particularly complete and partial tears of the muscle fibre
• Tendons: in particular the shoulder, ankle, elbow, knee and Achilles tendon. Tendons join muscle to bone.
• Bursae: a swollen bursa can be detected with ultrasound, most commonly seen around the shoulder and knee joints. Bursae are sac-like structures filled with fluid and found close to joints. Superficial bursae are found between bone and skin. Deep bursae separate a joint from overlying tendons and ligaments.
• Ligaments: some can be viewed with ultrasound, while others require MRI for accurate assessment. Ligaments connect bone to bone.

Foreign bodies
Some foreign bodies may not be visible using x-rays, but most are shown on ultrasound. The location and any associated damage to surrounding structures are shown using ultrasound. A localising skin mark can be applied to assist with removal of the foreign body.

			Pre Examination
	Please phone us to make an appointment. Remember to bring your referral note from your doctor.

			The Examination
	Most scans take between 15 and 30 minutes. The normal (asymptomatic) side will often be examined for comparison.Your scan will be performed by either a radiologist or a sonographer.

			Post Examination
	After the scan, the radiologist will send a report to your referring specialist, general practitioner or physiotherapist.