Joint (Shoulder/Knee/Hip/Wrist/Ankle) each
Musculoskeletal (MSK) joint ultrasonography is a dynamic, high-resolution imaging technique used to evaluate the soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and fluid spaces of major joints. Unlike static MRIs, ultrasound allows for real-time movement during the scan, which is crucial for capturing dynamic conditions like tissue impingement or subluxation.
- Shoulder Ultrasound: Primarily evaluates the rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis) for tears or tendinopathy. It also assesses the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and looks for fluid collection within the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa.
- Knee Ultrasound: Highly effective at detecting a joint effusion (fluid buildup) within the suprapatellar recess. It maps injuries to the quadriceps and patellar tendons, evaluates the collateral ligaments, and checks the back of the knee for a Baker’s cyst.
- Hip Ultrasound: Used to identify anterior joint recess fluid or synovitis. In pediatric patients, it is the gold standard for screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and transient synovitis.
- Wrist Ultrasound: Extensively utilized to diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by measuring the cross-sectional area of the median nerve (MN). It also detects ganglion cysts, tenosynovitis, and structural integrity of the flexor/extensor tendons.
- Ankle Ultrasound: Focuses on the tibiotalar joint capsule for effusions, evaluates the Achilles tendon for degeneration or ruptures, and assesses the lateral ligament complex following acute inversion sprains.
By incorporating Color Doppler, clinicians can detect active inflammation (hyperemia) inside the joint lining (synovium), helping differentiate active arthritis flare-ups from mechanical wear.
