Ultrasound diagnostics

Did you know?

Tendons, muscles, ligaments and bursae cannot be seen on an X-ray. Yet precisely these structures cause a large share of orthopaedic complaints. Ultrasound makes them visible – and has an advantage that even MRI does not offer: we can assess the structure during movement and compare it directly with the healthy opposite side.

The examination is painless, involves no radiation and can be repeated as often as needed, for example to monitor the course of healing.

What can be shown clearly:

• Tendons and tendon insertions, for example the rotator cuff, Achilles tendon or elbow
• Muscles, muscle-fibre tears and bruising
• Ligaments, for example at the ankle
• Joint effusion and synovial membrane
• Bursae and their irritation
• Cysts, for example a Baker’s cyst in the hollow of the knee
• Superficial nerves, for example in carpal tunnel syndrome
• Calcifications in tendons

Where ultrasound reaches its limits:

Sound waves do not pass through bone. Only the bone surface can therefore be assessed, not the interior of the bone. Joint cartilage is also only visible to a limited extent, and deep structures such as intervertebral discs are not accessible to ultrasound.

Ultrasound therefore complements X-ray and MRI; it does not replace them. We will tell you when a further examination makes sense.

How we proceed:

After the physical examination, we ultrasound the region in question in a targeted way – at rest and in motion, and as a rule in comparison with the opposite side. You follow this on the screen, and we explain what can be seen.

We also use ultrasound to guide injections. The needle is visible during the treatment, so the medication arrives exactly where it is meant to act.

You have symptoms in a tendon, muscle or joint? We will look at this during the same appointment.

Talk to us – we will be glad to advise you in person.