What are the limitations of Ultrasound Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System?
What is Ultrasound Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System? Ultrasound, or sonography, involves the sending of sound waves through the body. Those sound waves are reflected off the internal organs. The reflections are then interpreted by special instruments that subsequently create an image of anatomic parts. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. An ultrasound image is a useful way of examining the musculoskeletal system of the body to detect problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue. Ultrasound images are captured in real time, so they can often show movement, function and anatomy, as well as enable radiologists to diagnose a variety of conditions and assess damage after an injury or illness. What are some common uses of the procedure? Ultrasound images can be useful in diagnosing tendon tears, such as tears of the rotator cuff in the shoulder or Achilles tendon in the ankle. Abnormalities of the muscles, such as tears and soft-tissue m
Ultrasound has difficulty penetrating bone and therefore can only see the outer surface of bony structures and not what lies within. For visualizing internal structure of bones or certain joints, other imaging modalities such as MRI are typically used. Ultrasound has not proven useful in detecting whiplash injuries or other causes of back pain.
