If you have had a sports or activity-related injury causing pain or discomfort that won’t go away, you’re likely familiar with common imaging diagnostic tools such as X-rays and MRI scans to find out the cause. Now, the MSU Health Care at McLaren Greater Lansing Outpatient Imaging Center enhanced its capabilities by offering radiologists and physicians a more in-depth look with musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasounds, enabling them to deliver the most effective treatment options.
“MSK ultrasounds have become an increasingly valuable tool,” said Dr. Toufic Jildeh, an orthopedic and sports medicine specialist at MSU Health Care who performs procedures at McLaren Greater Lansing. “It allows us to gain an assessment of soft tissues around joints and bones and has proven useful in evaluating problems like rotator cuff tears, Achilles tendinopathy, various cysts or fluid collections, or patellar tendonitis.”
Unlike an MRI, which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create a detailed image of the body, an MSK ultrasound uses sound waves that show real-time, high-resolution images that allow you to move around during the procedure. It’s extremely safe and does not use radiation.
“The ultrasound allows us to see soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments while they are moving, which help us spot tears, swelling, or pinching in the injured area,” said Dr. Jildeh. "It can also show us the tendon’s structure, the thickening, calcification, and even assesses the degree of tearing. The dynamic capabilities are particularly helpful as we can observe a tendon gliding during movement, which can be crucial when diagnosing a condition.”
MSK ultrasounds can complement an MRI scan or be used on their own for diagnosing injuries. Types of injuries an MSK ultrasound can detect include:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendonitis or bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint problems
- Sprains, strains and tears
- Muscle and tendon injuries
An MSK ultrasound can also be used to detect fluid buildup and nerve damage that may not otherwise be detected.
“As a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon that specializes in the treatment of shoulder, knee, hip and elbow injuries, having the latest advancements in imaging technology available is a valuable tool for understanding the type of injury so that we can get you the right care and get you back to the activities you love to do,” said Dr. Jildeh.
The outpatient imaging center offers a wide range of diagnostic imaging services with convenience in mind, offering extended hours, weekend appointments, and easy access. If you are suffering from an injury or chronic joint pain, talk to your doctor about scheduling an imaging study such as an MSK ultrasound. To learn more about the benefits of an outpatient imaging center, click here.
Dr. Jildeh is the team physician for Michigan State University Athletics and provides sports medicine and orthopedic surgical services at McLaren Greater Lansing. To learn more about the McLaren Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute, click here.
For more health-related articles from McLaren Greater Lansing, click here.