What is it?

A musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a type of imaging test that uses sound waves. It creates pictures of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints in the body. It's used to help diagnose and treat certain conditions, such as sprains, tears, inflammation build-up, nerve issues, and soft tissue problems like cysts. Ultrasounds do not use X-rays (radiation).

During the test, a small hand-held device called a transducer is gently passed back and forth over the area being looked at. The device sends the sound waves to a computer, which turns them into a picture. This picture is shown on a video screen. The picture produced by ultrasound is called a sonogram, an echogram, or a scan. Pictures or videos of the ultrasound images may be saved and reviewed later.

Why is it done?

An MSK ultrasound is done for several reasons. It may be used to:

• Look for early signs of arthritis.
• Find the cause of pain in a part of your body.
• Help diagnose tendon, muscle, or ligament tears.
• Look for a cyst, tumour, or abscess that may need treatment.
• Help guide the placement of a needle or other tool during a biopsy.

How can you prepare?

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to. Depending on what is being looked at, you may get instructions on what type of clothing to wear, and you may need to remove your jewellery.

How is it done?

This test is done in an ultrasound room in a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office.

• Gel is applied to the skin to help the sound waves pass through.
• The transducer will be pressed against the gel on your skin. It will be moved across your skin several times.
• You need to be very still while the test is being done.

When the test is finished, the gel is removed from your skin. You may be asked to wait until the radiologist has reviewed the test. They may want to do more ultrasound views.

What are the risks?

There are no known risks from having this test.

What do the results mean?

The scans from the test will be read within a short time.

Normal

• The ligaments, tendons, and muscles don't show signs of a sprain or tear.
• No growths, tumours, fluid, or other problems are seen.
• There are no signs of disease, inflammation, or infection.
• There are no signs of early arthritic changes in the joints.

Abnormal

• The ligaments, tendons, or muscles have signs of a sprain or a tear.
• Growths, tumours, or fluid may be seen.
• There are signs of disease, inflammation, or infection.
• There are signs of early arthritic changes in the joints.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.