When patients visit us for an injury or chronic issue requiring imaging, our goal is to keep the process as non-invasive as possible. We aim to provide a diagnosis without sending you to another facility or scheduling a separate appointment. We understand that patients are often in pain, want quick answers, and may want to avoid the hassle or expense of an MRI or CT scan. For some, especially those with claustrophobia, MRI machines can trigger severe anxiety—making the process even more stressful.
We use several in-house diagnostic tools, but one of our favorites is musculoskeletal ultrasound. This technology is completely non-invasive and provides our doctors with a clear, real-time view of many orthopedic injuries.
What Is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
Most people know ultrasound as a tool used during pregnancy, but its benefits go far beyond that. Ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body. It’s particularly effective for evaluating soft tissues and can produce real-time images from multiple angles. This sets it apart from X-rays, which are best for bone imaging, and MRIs, which require you to remain completely still for extended periods.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound refers specifically to the use of ultrasound technology to evaluate muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Why Choose Ultrasound Over Other Imaging Methods?
Our doctors often choose musculoskeletal ultrasound as the first step in imaging—depending on your symptoms—because it avoids unnecessary radiation, cost, or patient distress. If there’s no medical reason for a more invasive, more expensive procedure, we prefer to avoid it.
Ultrasound is especially effective for soft tissue injuries. It allows movement of the body during imaging, enabling the doctor to examine problem areas from different angles. Even tiny tendons and nerves can be visualized clearly, and real-time blood flow imaging helps identify problem areas quickly. This makes it easier to pinpoint the cause of pain and determine the best treatment.
When Is It Used?
Musculoskeletal ultrasound has many applications. It’s used to diagnose injuries, assess chronic issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, and determine the severity of a condition. The decision to use ultrasound depends on your symptoms, the location of the problem, and whether it can provide enough information to avoid further imaging.
We also use ultrasound during certain injection treatments. It allows us to guide the needle precisely to the target area, maximizing treatment effectiveness.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Ultrasound is one of the easiest medical procedures to undergo. The clinician applies a small amount of gel to the affected area, then moves a handheld wand (transducer) over the skin. This produces a live image on a screen. You may feel some pressure, and if the area is already tender, slight discomfort, but the procedure itself is painless.
Interpretation happens in real-time, and unlike other imaging methods, ultrasound involves no radiation. The process takes about 30 minutes. In some cases, multiple ultrasounds may be scheduled to track healing or evaluate treatment success.
If you’re dealing with orthopedic pain and want an accurate, non-invasive diagnosis, musculoskeletal ultrasound may be the right choice. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn how this advanced imaging tool can help.
Sources Cited:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/musculoskeletal-ultrasound/about/pac-20384786
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ultrasound
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/diagnostic-imaging/
Dr. David Nielsen, D.O. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in hand, upper extremity, and shoulder surgery. He trained at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of South Florida. He brings over two decades of surgical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care as the founder of Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center.
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“I went to Dr. Nielsen for a second opinion on a dislocated hand. My first surgeon recommended surgery without much consideration. A friend suggested Dr. Nielsen, who spent time reviewing my case and concluded that I only needed rehabilitation. He was right! He's an excellent doctor.”
I was impressed with the quality of service and the caring people throughout the visit, from the receptionist to the doctor seen. They truly care and are honest and professional.
The best ortho in the state. Got my son in right away and is a very caring crew. Professional and clean atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Highly recommend Charlottesville Orthopedic Center for PT. They are the best! Very knowledgeable, detailed, patient, caring and they listen. I had shoulder and knee issues. Matt was my physical therapist and I would definitely go back if I ever need more therapy. Thank you so much for all your help.
Very responsive, same day service. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough when communicating complex medical information.
Great place. The best group of people you could ask for. Knowledgeable and polite. #1
I was able to get a same day appointment after every other place I called turned me away. In the end, I was glad I got turned away elsewhere because I can’t imagine any other practice being more caring and understanding.
