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. In addition, musculoskeletal ultrasound utilizes dynamic imaging techniques — allowing the sonographer to evaluate function through range of motion planes.
Most importantly, ultrasound is non-painful, non-invasive, 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.
Ultrasound guidance can be used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic injections into specific targets including, joints, tendon sheaths, bursae and around painful nerves.