Medical Ultrasound
Join us at our award winning family practice in DurhamMedical Ultrasound
Medical ultrasound scans are a safe mode of diagnostic imaging that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of your body called a sonogram or ‘sound-drawing’. Ultrasound scans are most well known for use during pregnancy to visualise the foetus but can also be used for assessing and diagnosing acute and chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
Medical MSK ultrasound scans provides dynamic, real time visual examination of tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments, cartilage, soft tissue masses and bone surfaces allowing for a quicker, more accurate diagnosis. Medical ultrasound is helpful in diagnosing common problems such as ligament sprains, degeneration tendon rupture, muscle strains, inflammation, joint disease and fractures and has no radiation, side-effects or contraindications.
The integration of medical MSK ultrasound into our practice enhances our ‘point-of-care’ clinical services, resulting in quicker diagnosis, treatment or referral which ultimately leads to quicker recovery.
Ultrasound scans are therefore carried out, were necessary, as part of a comprehensive physical examination; we do not offer stand-alone ultrasound scans.
Medical Ultrasound FAQs
What areas of the body can you assess with an Ultrasound scan?
We are currently providing ultrasound scan assessments for:
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Wrist
- Hand
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
- Foot
What happens during the Ultrasound Assessment?
Your appointment will last approximately 30 minutes and you will be required to sit or lay during the examination. In order for the sonographer to access the area to be examined you will need to wear loose or reduced clothing to your appointment. A gown can be provided if necessary.
The sonographer will use a water-based coupling gel between the area to be examined and the ultrasound probe as this allows the sound waves to penetrate without interference. This gel is hypoallergenic, odourless and will not stain clothing.
Once the assessment is complete the sonographer may verbally advise of the findings and a written report will be provided within one week.
More information on medical ultrasound scans can be found here.
The sonographer who will carry out the ultrasound examination is Neil Thomas.
How should I prepare for my Ultrasound?
You don’t need to do anything specific except wear loose clothing around the area to be examined.
What happens after my ultrasound appointment?
Your sonographer will write up a report of findings and recommend the next steps which may include manual treatment or referral for specialist consultation.
