How musculoskeletal ultrasound can aid in diagnosing and treating sports injuries
Written in association with:A musculoskeletal ultrasound is a way to scan for afflictions and issues of the joints, muscles, bones, and associated tissues. In this article, distinguished consultant musculoskeletal radiologist Dr Steve Amerasekera explains why they are particularly beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries.
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasounds work by using high-frequency sound waves emitted from a probe, that are echoed back to produce an image, called a sonogram. The image that is produced by ultrasound is in real-time as the examination is undergoing, which allows doctors ample opportunity to investigate the body and its condition. They are able to visualise soft tissues in motion, allowing them to identify sport-related injuries for diagnosis and treatment.
Why are ultrasounds useful for diagnosing sports injuries?
Ultrasounds are preferable to X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans because they are more cost-effective, non-invasive and do not come with any risks of radiation exposure which means they are safe to perform repeatedly. This is beneficial for athletes who may be prone to frequent injuries. Furthermore, the ultrasound machine is reasonably portable, which means that patients who cannot be moved or need urgent treatment due to injury can be assessed and diagnosed at the site of the incident (such as a pitch or field).
Musculoskeletal ultrasounds can be used to evaluate:
- Tendon injuries, such as Achilles tears, rotator cuff tears, and tennis elbow
- Ligament sprains
- Bone fractures
- Muscle strains and imbalances
- Joint stability
- Structural abnormalities
They can also be used for guiding doctors where to administer injections and biopsies. This ensures efficient, precise, and direct action to minimise complications and hasten diagnoses.
How can musculoskeletal ultrasounds be used for the treatment of sports injuries?
Even after diagnosis, musculoskeletal ultrasound can still play a further role, as it can be used to develop the best treatment for the patient. The information gleaned from the ultrasound visualisation can be used to plan for rehabilitative physical therapy, surgical intervention, and management of the injury. These ultrasounds can also be used for continuous monitoring of the injury. This will facilitate the recovery of the patient, with the aim that they can soon return to their sport in optimal condition.
If you would like to know more about musculoskeletal ultrasounds, you can consult with Dr Amerasekera via his Top Doctors profile.
