An ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a common medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images from inside the body. Ultrasounds allow doctors to see problems with organs, tissues, and blood vessels without having to make an incision. The images that ultrasounds produce can give doctors valuable information to help diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
“An ultrasound is a common medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images from inside the body.”
Purpose
Dr. Romeo may order an ultrasound if you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or any other symptoms that require a view of your internal structures. Ultrasounds can also help Dr. Romeo with certain medical procedures by guiding his movements in real time.
Parts of the body that Dr. Romeo may request an ultrasound for include joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Orthopaedic injuries that show up on ultrasound include tendon and ligament tears, muscle strains, joint swelling, muscle injuries, and nerve problems. Ultrasound can also help guide procedures like joint injections.
How an ultrasound is performed
Before the ultrasound begins, you will lie down on a table and the section of your body being examined will be exposed. A special gel is then applied to your skin, which helps the ultrasound waves pass into your body.
Next, the ultrasound technician or physician will press a small, handheld device called a transducer against your skin and move it around the area of your body being tested. The transducer will send high-frequency sound waves into your body. When the waves hit a dense object like an organ or bone, they echo. The transducer collects these echoes and sends them to a computer, where they form a picture. This picture is viewed on a screen by the ultrasound technician or physician during your scan. During your test, you may be asked to report if there is pain or tenderness. You may also be asked to move the affected body part to help locate the injury.
After the test is done, the gel will be cleaned off your skin. The whole procedure normally takes about 30 minutes and requires no recovery time, meaning that you can then go about your normal activities. After the exam, Dr. Romeo will review the images and look for any abnormalities. He will then call you to discuss the results or schedule a follow-up appointment. If anything abnormal is found, Dr. Romeo may suggest other diagnostic tests, like a CT scan or MRI.
“An ultrasound is a non-invasive medical test that carries minimal risks.”
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with ultrasounds?
An ultrasound is a non-invasive medical test that carries minimal risks. Unlike other diagnostic imaging tests like CT scans or x-rays, ultrasounds do not use radiation. This is why they are the preferred method for examining developing fetuses during pregnancy. Also, ultrasounds are safe if you have metal hardware or implants in your body.