Shoulder pain that will not go away, a knee that clicks after a run, an ankle that swells days after a twist: these are the problems a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is built for. It shows tendons, ligaments and muscles in real time, while you move. Here is what to expect from an MSK ultrasound in Miami. At Imaging Nation Diagnostics, MSK ultrasound is available by appointment only.
What Is an MSK Ultrasound?
An MSK ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to image the soft tissues around your joints. Unlike an X-ray, which mainly shows bone, ultrasound shows the tendons, ligaments, muscles and fluid that cause most sports and overuse injuries. And unlike MRI, the sonographer can scan the joint while it moves, which helps reveal problems that only appear in certain positions.
Shoulder
- Rotator cuff tears (partial or full thickness)
- Tendinitis and tendinosis
- Bursitis
- Biceps tendon problems
- Calcific tendinitis
Knee
- Patellar and quadriceps tendon injuries
- Baker’s cysts behind the knee
- Fluid in the joint (effusion)
- Some ligament injuries on the inner and outer knee
Ankle and Foot
- Achilles tendon tears and tendinitis
- Ankle ligament sprains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Peroneal tendon problems
Elbow, Wrist and Hand
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ganglion cysts
- Trigger finger
MSK Ultrasound vs. X-Ray vs. MRI
- Digital X-ray: best for fractures, arthritis and bone alignment. Often the first test after an injury.
- MSK ultrasound: fast, radiation-free and dynamic. Excellent for tendons, ligaments and fluid near the surface.
- MRI: shows deep structures inside the joint, such as cartilage and the knee’s cruciate ligaments.
Your doctor may order more than one to get the full picture.
How to Prepare
No preparation is needed. Wear loose clothing that lets the sonographer easily reach the joint, such as a tank top for a shoulder or shorts for a knee. Bring your physician’s order and a photo ID.
What to Expect
Gel is applied over the joint, and the sonographer moves the transducer across the area. You may be asked to move the joint, tense a muscle or point to the exact spot that hurts. Most exams take 20 to 45 minutes.
Results
A board-certified radiologist interprets your images, and the report is sent to your ordering physician within 48 business hours.
MSK Ultrasound After a Car Accident
Soft-tissue injuries after a crash often show up days later. If you were in an accident, read about Florida’s 14-day PIP rule and our auto accident imaging services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ultrasound show a torn rotator cuff?
Yes. MSK ultrasound is very accurate for full-thickness and many partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.
Is MSK ultrasound better than MRI?
It depends on the question. Ultrasound is excellent for tendons and ligaments near the surface and can image the joint in motion; MRI is better for deep joint structures. Your doctor will choose the right test.
How do I book an MSK ultrasound?
MSK ultrasound is by appointment only. Book online or call 786-353-9160 so we can schedule the right specialist time.
Schedule an MSK Ultrasound in Miami
Book online or call 786-353-9160, Monday through Friday. Explore all of our ultrasound services.
