Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound involves the use of [[Medical | Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound involves the use of [[Medical Ultrasonography]] to assess a variety of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It is far less expensive then MRI,is non invasive, does not involve the use of ionizing radiation and is readily accepted by patients. | ||
In physics the term "ultrasound" applies to all acoustic energy with a frequency above human hearing (20,000 hertz or 20 kilohertz). Typical diagnostic sonographic scanners operate in the frequency range of 2 to 18 megahertz, hundreds of times greater than this limit. The choice of frequency is a trade-off between spatial resolution of the image and imaging depth: lower frequencies produce less resolution but image deeper into the body. | In physics the term "ultrasound" applies to all acoustic energy with a frequency above human hearing (20,000 hertz or 20 kilohertz). Typical diagnostic sonographic scanners operate in the frequency range of 2 to 18 megahertz, hundreds of times greater than this limit. The choice of frequency is a trade-off between spatial resolution of the image and imaging depth: lower frequencies produce less resolution but image deeper into the body. | ||
Revision as of 20:02, 9 May 2009
Editor-In-Chief: Robert G. Schwartz, M.D. [1], Piedmont Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, P.A.
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Overview
Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound involves the use of Medical Ultrasonography to assess a variety of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It is far less expensive then MRI,is non invasive, does not involve the use of ionizing radiation and is readily accepted by patients. In physics the term "ultrasound" applies to all acoustic energy with a frequency above human hearing (20,000 hertz or 20 kilohertz). Typical diagnostic sonographic scanners operate in the frequency range of 2 to 18 megahertz, hundreds of times greater than this limit. The choice of frequency is a trade-off between spatial resolution of the image and imaging depth: lower frequencies produce less resolution but image deeper into the body.
The capability for accurate diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions has dramatically increased in recent years. In some cases, such as the ability to evaluate motion of tendons and muscles in real-time, it provides valuable information not available from any other modality. In addition, Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound has become a valuable guidance tool for procedures such as intra-articular injection, peripheral and spinal nerve block, and percutaneous tenotomy. Disadvantages, such as learning curve, ease of interpretation and image quality have diminished as technology and expertise has increased. Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound has become a valuable asset in the diagnostic armamentarium of musculoskeletal injury and pathology.