Private Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Scan Newcastle
Book with Joint Care Clinics for a Private Ultrasound Scan for Musculoskeletal problems at our Newcastle Clinic
Private Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan Newcastle
A diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the Joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissue throughout the body. This helps to identify abnormalities in musculoskeletal problems.
A Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan is carried out by placing a probe (also called a transducer) and gel directly on the scanning part of the body’s skin. This helps to transfer the high-frequency sound waves from the transducer into the body and back to the probe to produce the body images on the screen.
An ultrasound scan is a noninvasive procedure and does not use ionising radiation; hence, it is a safe tool to use on anyone
What musculoskeletal problems can be diagnosed?
A few examples of common problems:
- Arthritis of the joints. Ex: Wrist & hands, foot & ankle, knee, shoulder, elbow, hip etc.
- Inflammatory changes in the hands and feet. Ex: Rheumatoid, gout, psoriatic arthritis, etc.
- Shoulder rotator cuff tears, biceps tendon tear, Achilles tendon tear in the ankle, and other tendon tears throughout the body.
- Bursitis: ex: shoulder, knee, and ankle.
- Ligament sprains/tears.
- Muscle tears.
- Ganglion cysts.
- Lipomas.
- Foreign bodies. Ex: glass or wood splinters.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Baker’s cyst.
Private MSK Ultrasound Scan FAQs
How should I prepare for the MSK ultrasound examination?
Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing, as you need to remove clothing and jewellery in the area to be examined.
If you are expecting to have an injection, make sure you have arranged alternative transport. This is due to your motor insurance policy; it will not be valid for at least 3 hours after the injection. Please check with your insurance policy. Either bring your partner, family member or friend with you. Alternatively, you can use either a taxi or public transport to return home.
No other preparation is required.
How is the procedure performed?
Depending on the area to be examined, you will be asked either to be seated or to lie face-up or face-down on an examination table. Then the clinician applies some gel on your skin and places the probe over the gel, and the probe is moved around until the desired images are obtained. The clinician may ask you to move the extremity being examined to obtain images of all the structures of the body part.
Usually, the probe pressure does not cause any discomfort to you. However, you may experience some discomfort or tenderness while scanning over the tender areas.
After completing the ultrasound scanning, the ultrasound gel will be wiped. Ultrasound gel is water-based and dries quickly without causing stains. After the examination, you can carry out all your daily activities as usual.
Ultrasound examination may take 10 – 20 minutes to complete; occasionally, it may take longer.
When will I know the ultrasound examination findings?
We will discuss the results with you after completing the exam, and the signed report will be provided to you at a later time.
Sometimes a follow-up examination or further investigations may be recommended to further evaluate the identified abnormality.
A follow-up ultrasound exam may also be recommended to see if there has been any change in the abnormality over time or to understand the effect of the treatment.
Are there any limitations of Ultrasound Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System?
Ultrasound does not penetrate the bone beyond the bony cortex. For this reason, structures inside the joints or bones cannot be visualised. MRI or other imaging modalities are ideal to visualise the internal structure of bones or joints.
The deeper the structure, the poorer the ultrasound image quality; therefore, deeper structures in larger patients may not be seen easily.
What are the benefits vs. risks?
Benefits
Noninvasive (not painful).
Sometimes, part of the examination can be uncomfortable, but not painful.
Ultrasound is less expensive than the majority of the other imaging methods.
No radiation and no known harmful side effects.
Ultrasound is a real-time imaging modality, making it a good tool for guiding the injection needle accurately.
Patients with metal implants or cardiac pacemakers can safely receive ultrasound imaging.
Real-time ultrasound imaging can show the movement of the tendon or joint.
Risks :
No known harm to humans.
MSK Ultrasound Scan Testimonials
"Having played professional sport from 1989-2008, I’ve amassed plenty of aches and pains after numerous operations. I’ve been around the world and seen some of the best Doctors and surgeons out there, and Ram has been right up there with his care and skill. Never in a rush, he’s kind, compassionate and very professional. Not only helped me with knee and shoulder pain, but he’s also treated my wife for elbow pain. My son is now going to see him as he’s seen a difference in how his parents are moving. Thanks for all your help, Darren Gough and Anna Gough"
Darren Gough - English Cricket Player
NEWCASTLE CLINIC
Joint Care Clinics @Dr Matla Clinic
Old Brewery Court, Starbeck Ave
Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1XG