Ultrasound Diagnosis

An ultrasound diagnosis is often needed to detect early indications of potential joint disorders. Doing so enables proactive treatment of rheumatological conditions that could otherwise lead to significant and permanent joint damage. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, for example, can be challenging in certain clinical settings because crystalline arthropathies can closely mimic the disease. This confusion can lead to misdiagnoses and improper treatment protocols. An ultrasound’s imaging modality can provide great clarity in this and other similar cases.

What Is an Ultrasound Diagnosis?

An ultrasound diagnosis is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of patients’ bodies. Ultrasound technology is similar to that used by sonar and radar, but unlike other imaging techniques, it uses no radiation. The safety and efficiency of this technology makes it the preferred method of diagnostic scanning in rheumatology and evaluating fetal development during pregnancy.

When Is an Ultrasound Diagnosis Needed?

Patients experiencing pain, swelling, and movement difficulty can be provided with an ultrasound scan to determine the source of their concerns. Due to its non-invasive nature, an ultrasound diagnosis can provide effective detection without biopsy surgical procedures. A typical ultrasound procedure lasts about 30 minutes and requires little-to-no patient involvement. In some cases, you may be required to fast prior to your appointment. Additionally, it is important to disclose any medication use in order to avoid complication or inaccuracy during the test.

Patient receiving an ultrasound diagnosis

Ultrasound Focus Areas

At Cohen Medical Centers, our ultrasound device is often employed in the detection of several concerns around the body. Some of our focus areas include:

Shoulders – Typical scans focus on detecting rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, impingement syndrome, and arthritis.
Knees – Typical scans focus on detecting meniscal tears, internal derangement, ligament tears, and sprains/strains.
Ankles – Typical scans focus on detecting osteochondral defects, neuromas, stress fractures, and bursitis.
Elbows – Typical scans focus on detecting medial-lateral epicondylitis, triceps tendon-olecranon fossa, joint effusions-loose bodies, and arthritis-erosion.
Wrists – Typical scans focus on detecting carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis-tendon tears, De Quervains disease, and ganglion cysts.
Hips – Typical scans focus on detecting adductor tendon disorders, hip flexor, bursitis, and effusions.