Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Ultrasound (sonography) is a safe and painless procedure done in the office. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound examinations do not involve radiation exposure to the patient.  Dr. Vidlock is able to do ultrasound exams and procedures in the office, many times helping a patient avoid extra hospital appointments and hospital facility charges.

Ultrasound images of the musculoskeletal system is used to evaluate muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and to inject and treat many orthopedic conditions

• Tendon tears, or tendinitis of the rotator cuff in the shoulder, Achilles tendon in the ankle and other tendons throughout the body.
• Tendon procedures- tennis elbow, calcification within tendons
• Muscle tears, masses or fluid collections.
• Ligament sprains or tears.
• Inflammation or fluid (effusions) within the bursae and joints.
• Nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Joint injections and tendon injections that need to be done under guidance
• Ganglion cysts.

Advantages

• Ultrasound is less expensive that other imaging
• Ultrasound imaging is extremely safe and does not expose patients to radiation
• Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images.
• Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for watching tendons, nerves and joints in motion
• Patients with cardiac pacemakers and certain types of metallic implants or post surgery may not be able to undergo an MRI and ultrasound is an appropriate alternative
• Ultrasound shows detailed soft tissue structures such as tendons and nerves.
• Ultrasound guided procedures may be an easier, less expensive alternative to surgical in some conditions
• Many injections can be done in the clinic office with ultrasound rather than scheduling an appointment through the hospital