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In office diagnostics with musculoskeletal ultrasound

Pain and injuries can be a frustrating mystery. You know something is wrong, but you can’t see the source of the problem. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we use advanced diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your body, so we can create a treatment plan that’s right for you. One of the most powerful tools we use is musculoskeletal ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging technique that allows us to see your muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments in real-time.

Overview

  • What is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound? Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a safe and painless diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays, which are best for looking at bones, MSK ultrasound excels at visualizing soft tissues. This makes it an invaluable tool for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from rotator cuff tears to carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • How Does it Work? During an MSK ultrasound, a small, handheld device called a transducer is placed on your skin over the area of concern. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through your body and bounce off of your internal structures. The transducer then captures the returning sound waves and sends them to a computer, which uses them to create a real-time image on a monitor.
  • Why Choose California Pacific Orthopaedics? At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of experienced orthopedic specialists is highly skilled in using MSK ultrasound to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. We are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced, personalized care possible, and we believe that MSK ultrasound is an essential tool for achieving that goal.

Why a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is Done

Your doctor may recommend a musculoskeletal ultrasound for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:

  • To diagnose the cause of pain, swelling, or inflammation. MSK ultrasound can be used to identify a wide range of conditions, including:
    • Tendon tears and tendinitis
    • Muscle tears and strains
    • Ligament sprains and tears
    • Bursitis
    • Joint effusions (fluid in the joint)
    • Nerve entrapment syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
    • Soft tissue masses, such as cysts and tumors
  • To guide injections and other procedures. Because MSK ultrasound provides a real-time view of your internal structures, it can be used to guide injections and other procedures with incredible precision. This helps to ensure that the medication is delivered to the exact right spot, which can improve the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
  • To monitor the healing process. MSK ultrasound can be used to monitor the healing process after an injury or surgery. This allows your doctor to see how well you are healing and to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

What To Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

  • Before the Procedure There is no special preparation required for a musculoskeletal ultrasound. You can eat and drink as usual, and you should continue to take your regular medications. You will be asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.
  • During the Procedure You will be asked to sit or lie down on an examination table, and a small amount of gel will be applied to your skin over the area being examined. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves and to ensure that the transducer makes good contact with your skin. The sonographer will then move the transducer over the area of concern, and you may be asked to move the affected body part to allow for a more dynamic examination. The procedure is usually painless, but you may feel some mild pressure from the transducer.
  • After the Procedure After the procedure, the gel will be wiped off of your skin, and you will be able to go home immediately. There are no restrictions on your activity, and you can resume your normal activities right away. Your doctor will review the images from your ultrasound and will discuss the results with you at your follow-up appointment.

Our Providers

John Belzer

John P. Belzer, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Keith Chan

Keith W. Chan, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hector Osoria, M.D.

Hector Osoria, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Joshua Sampson

Joshua Sampson, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Daniel Nguyen

Daniel Nguyen, PA-C

Physician Assistant
Corbin Wirta

Corbin Wirta, PA-C

Physician Assistant

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Specific disclaimer concerning medical information. The information provided in this website is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. All medical information presented should be discussed with your health care professional. Failure to seek timely medical advice can have serious ramifications and we urge you to discuss any current health related problems you are experiencing with a health care professional immediately.