Musculoskeletal ultrasound can distinguish between disruption of the tendons, core lesions, older injuries with scar tissue or calcification, or tenosynovitis.
Advantages To Using Musculoskeletal Ultrasound:
- Does not require anesthesia
- Lower cost than MRI (easier, more frequent rechecks)
- Able to visualize soft tissues in movement
Commonly Imaged Areas:
- Shoulder
- Carpus (wrist)
- Iliopsoas muscle (groin)
- Stifle (knee)
- Achilles Tendon
Joint Disease – Indications On Musculoskeletal Ultrasound:
- Joint effusion
- Thickening of the joint capsule
- Cartilage defects
- Bone destruction
- Bone inflammation
- Periosteal inflammation (membrane outside the bone)