Diagnostic Ultrasound

There are a variety of imaging modalities, some of which include X-ray, CT-scan, MRI and ultrasound, each providing their own benefits and limitations. When it comes to musculoskeletal pain, x-ray largely evaluates bone, CT-scan is rarely needed and provides a large dose of radiation. MRI can evaluate bone and soft tissue but is time consuming, costly, and does not always tell the entire picture. Ultrasound, however, is quick, easily performed in the office, provides immediate information, more cost-effective, safer, is much more sensitive and has a higher resolution which is great for musculoskeletal evaluation. Another added benefit of ultrasound is that it is dynamic, meaning we are interacting with you while moving and evaluating your tissues. In doing so we can confirm that the findings are actually a pain generator for you. In some instances, an X-ray or MRI may be ordered to further evaluate some of the deeper structures, but this is not frequently needed.