Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Fast, cost-effective imaging of soft tissues
Ultrasound Imaging for Diagnosis & Treatment
Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the soft tissues within the body. At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we use ultrasound imaging techniques to safely diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Anyone can receive a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound test.
Conditions We Treat
At BIDMC, we use MSK ultrasound to evaluate and diagnose a variety of abnormalities and conditions affecting different areas of the body, including the following:
- Achilles’ tendon
- Biceps tendon
- Elbow tendons and ligaments
- Finger and hand tendons and ligaments
- Foot and ankle tendons and ligaments
- Gluteus minimus and medius tendons
- Iliopsoas (hip) tendon
- Masses or foreign bodies in soft tissue
- Patellar tendon
- Plantar fascia
- Quadriceps tendon
- Rotator cuff tendon
Benefits of MSK Ultrasound
MSK ultrasound provides advanced images during a non-invasive procedure. The technique can often highlight areas that are hard to see with X-rays or MRI, such as small structures in the fingers and hands.
An MSK ultrasound scan can also provide images while you are moving. This is called dynamic imaging. When you make movements that cause pain, your radiologist can take an image in the exact spot where it hurts. This lets your doctor see what’s happening inside your body.
Research shows that MSK ultrasound can be as sensitive as MRI scans. This musculoskeletal diagnostic test is fast and cost effective.
More About Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Our radiologists in the Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging and Interventions are experts in using MSK ultrasound to provide treatments. We offer image-guided injections to deliver medicine to a bursa, joint or tendon sheath or to guide a needle to a precise point to remove fluid. MSK ultrasound helps your radiologist guide the needle to the right location while also providing documentation of the procedure.
MSK ultrasound is not appropriate for every situation. Sometimes bony structures block the sound waves used to create the images. In other instances, MSK ultrasound is not as precise as a biopsy or MRI scans.
MSK ultrasound should not be used to evaluate the following:
- Bone tumors
- Hip or shoulder labrum
- Menisci of the knee, ACL or PCL
- Solid masses
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Orthopaedics
The Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedics provides advanced orthopedic care, medical education and innovative research.
Research
Our researchers work to push the bounds of the study and understanding of orthopedic care, to provide the best care for our patients.
Education
Our team is committed to training the next generation of orthopedic specialists through fellowship, residency and internship programs.
