Indications for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound:
Ultrasound scanning is used to diagnose abnormalities within the soft tissue surrouding bones and joints. The following are indications:

• Muscle Ultrasound: Muscle injury, particularly rupture and contained complete and partial tears, are well shown.
• Tendon: Tendons in many parts of the body are examined with ultrasound, in particular the shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle and Achilles tendon.
• Bursae & synovial sheath pathology : An inflamed bursa can be detected with ultrasound.
• Ligaments: Superficial ligaments can be demonstrated with ultrasound. Deeper ligaments may require Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
• Peripheral nerve lesions / nerve entrapment syndromes. eg median nerve compresion at the carpal tunnel, ulnar nerve compression at the elbow or at Guyons canal.
• Ultrasound guided interventions in the musculoskeletal system.
• Foreign Bodies: Some foreign bodies will be not visible using x-rays. Most foreign bodies are detectable with ultrasound. The location and associated damage to any surrounding structures can be demonstrated.. A localiising skin marker can be applied to assist in the removal of a foreign body.

			Pre Examination
	Your patient will require an appointment. There is no preparation Please phone us if your patient requires an urgent appointment.

			The Examination
	Most scans take between 15 and 30 minutes. The scan will be performed by either a Radiologist or a Sonographer. The asymptomatic side may also be examined. Prior to the ultrasound the Sonographer will put ultrasound gel on the skin surface and on the probe to increase image quality.  This is non allergenic, not staining and is wiped off at the end of the examination.

			Post Examination
	If you require an urgent telephoned report please let us know. A report and / or a film with location marker(s) is available for foreign body removal.