MSK Ultrasound
Evaluating and Treating Musculoskeletal Conditions.
Ultrasound is frequently ordered to evaluate or treat conditions related to joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons. After initial assessment by your physician, our specialized radiologists and MSK certified technologists can perform ultrasound to evaluate and provide a diagnosis. Ultrasound is more readily available in the acute setting and a valuable alternative for patients who cannot obtain an MRI due to claustrophobia or pacemakers. Ultrasound images can be obtained dynamically to assess pathology or symptoms only brought on by specific motion or positions. Ultrasound is less limited in terms of field of view and a comparison to the other side may be easily obtained. Most importantly, the patient is able to communicate with the sonographer directly while the examination is being performed to ensure the clinical issue is addressed.
At Washington Radiology, our musculoskeletal radiologists also frequently perform ultrasound evaluation for carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapment syndromes. Ultrasound is a painless alternative to EMG, a common diagnostic nerve conduction study that is both painful and at times less specific.
FAQs
Ultrasound uses sound waves and their echoes, rather than X-rays, to view internal anatomy. Thus, the patient is not exposed to ionizing radiation. Ultrasound also can provide information about structures that cannot be gathered by conventional X-ray. In most ultrasound examinations, a hand-held transducer and warm gel are placed on the patient's skin. The transducer is both a transmitter and receiver, sending sound waves to the tissues. The reflected echoes are displayed as a two-dimensional image on a video screen.
Washington Radiology has been providing ultrasound procedures for more than 65 years. Our team has extensive experience, interpreting more than 80,000 ultrasound examinations each year. Research shows there is a significant improvement in the quality of an ultrasound interpretation when read by a specialized radiologist. Washington Radiology physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology, with subspecialty training in the field of ultrasound. As such, they are the most highly trained and skilled ultrasound specialists in the country.
Preparing for Your Exam
During scheduling, a Washington Radiology team member will review preparation instructions with you. In addition to the written order from your doctor, please remember to bring any prior images or reports from outside Washington Radiology to your appointment if related to the reason for your visit with us.
Our Locations
Fairfax, VA
3022 Williams Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
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Chevy Chase, MD
4445 Willard Avenue
Suite 200
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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Washington, DC
2141 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
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Sterling, VA
21351 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, VA 20166