Diagnostic MSK Ultrasound clinic
What is Musculo-skeletal (MSK) Diagnostic Ultrasound?
MSK-Diagnostic Ultrasound provides clinicians with a “window” through the skin to examine different soft-tissues. It is helpful in diagnosing injuries to muscles, ligaments & tendons & when assessing for inflammatory arthritis.
In addition to structural integrity, ultrasound is also useful in detecting for fluid-collections or inflammatory activity within bursa, tendon-sheaths & joint capsules.
A unique feature of MSK diagnostic ultrasound is to visualise tissues moving in relation to other structures, which can demonstrate impingements, subluxations, or instability.
How will the MSK Ultrasound assessment help my symptoms?
The diagnostic role of Ultrasound works best in answering a specific clinical question.
A referral from your clinician guides what structures to assess.
Once the MSK Ultrasound assessment is completed a detailed report will be returned to the referring clinician. This can help guide the management of your injury according to best practice guidelines.
A copy of the report can also be sent to your GP practice. This may be used for future reference if specialist medical opinion is recommended by your clinician.
What are the limitations of Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is not an appropriate modality for the assessment of the spine (neck/mid-back/lower-back).
Ultrasound has difficulty penetrating deeply located soft tissues & bone. Other imaging modalities such as X-ray or MRI are more appropriate for the assessment of deeper bones & joint-spaces (i.e. hip joint).
Is Ultrasound safe?
Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and does NOT use radiation (X-Ray / CT) or strong magnetic fields (MRI).
How long will an MSK Ultrasound assessment take?
Most ultrasound exams are painless, fast & easily tolerated. A typical assessment takes 30 minutes to complete but may occasionally take a little longer.
What can I expect?
A small probe and some gel are placed directly on the skin. There is usually no discomfort as light pressure is applied to the area being examined.
Once the imaging is complete, the clear ultrasound gel is wiped from your skin. Any portions that remain will dry quickly and the water-based ultrasound gel does not stain clothing. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately.
How should I prepare?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may need to remove clothing and jewellery in the area to be examined.
The practitioner who will carry out your MSK diagnostic ultrasound scan is Paul McDermott: BSc (Hons) Physio/PGCert MSK Ultrasound Imaging. Health & Care Professions (HCP) Reg No:PH53036. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Reg No:058030.