Introducing Ultrasounds for Orthopedic Care

Our office is pleased to now offer ultrasound for diagnostic examinations and therapeutic injections.

Technology

Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging method.  Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body.  There is no radiation exposure.  Ultrasound can be used in situations where other methods like MRI and CT scanning sometimes don’t work well.  Ultrasound is safe and effective for patients with pacemakers, metal implants, and claustrophobia.

Benefits

Ultrasound increases the accuracy of injection placement.  Compared to “blind” injections ultrasound guided injections are more likely to be successful since medications are more precisely placed.

Ultrasound is especially useful for visualizing the hard to reach shoulder and hip joints.  For these joints we can now often administer injections in the office rather than referring to an outside imaging center for another appointment. This saves patients’ time and money.

Besides being useful for injections, ultrasound gives us a chance to examine structures like the rotator cuff tendon.  If no tears are visualized then the patient can often safely be referred for appropriate therapy or possibly given an injection.  If a rotator cuff tear appears to be present then an MRI scan can be ordered immediately for additional information.  Accurate diagnosis leads to more rapid recovery through an efficient and effective care plan.

Evaluation

You don’t have to live with hip, knee, or shoulder pain.   Our office will expertly evaluate your problem and offer you appropriate treatment options.  With current advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques recovery may be much faster than you ever imagined.