Save yourself a trip to the hospital and potentially avoid the radiation of x-rays or the expense of an MRI with this state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging. We have rheumatologists who are also certified musculoskeletal sonographers on our staff who can provide point of care evaluations and treatment, often in a single visit.
What is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
Musculoskeletal ultrasound allows doctors to see into joints, looking at muscles and bone as if we shined a flashlight under your skin. This technology lets doctors:
- Perform ultrasound-guided injections in shoulders or other joints
- Assess rheumatoid arthritis disease activity or progression
- Diagnose tendinitis or rotator cuff tears
How Does It Work?
The doctor puts a probe on your skin near the affected area and uses this to see swelling, joint damage or inflammation. If appropriate, the doctor can use this imaging to precisely insert a needle and administer an injection into the targeted affected area, making sure the medicine goes directly where it should, improving treatment response.
Does It Hurt?
The imaging itself is pain free. There is usually some pain with injection, but most patients find musculoskeletal ultrasound guided injection less painful than blind injections. Several studies have shown a higher success rate too.
This is a significant advance in joint imaging and injection technique and can be done at an office visit, for your convenience.