Q: What is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US)?
A: Read More
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US) is a safe, non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissues.
Unlike X-rays or MRI, MSK ultrasound is radiation-free, dynamic, and can visualize movement in real time, making it ideal for assessing injuries as they occur during motion.
It helps physiotherapists and clinicians:
✔️ Detect muscle, tendon, and ligament tears
✔️ Identify inflammation, fluid, or calcifications
✔️ Guide precise treatment — such as injections or shockwave therapy
✔️ Monitor tissue healing and treatment progress
MSK ultrasound provides a clear, live look inside the body — enhancing both diagnosis accuracy and treatment effectiveness.
Q: What is an advantage of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US) compared to MRI or X-ray?
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound offers several unique advantages over MRI and X-ray imaging:
| Feature | MSK Ultrasound | MRI | X-ray |
| Radiation-Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Uses ionizing radiation |
| Real-Time Imaging | ✅ Dynamic — can observe muscles, tendons, and joints in motion | ❌ Static images only | ❌ Static images only |
| Soft Tissue Detail | Excellent for tendons, ligaments, and muscles | Excellent for deeper structures | Poor for soft tissues |
| Cost & Accessibility | Affordable and portable | Expensive, limited access | Widely available but limited scope |
| Guided Procedures | ✅ Ideal for guided injections, aspirations, and therapy | Occasionally | ❌ No |
| Patient Comfort | Quick, comfortable, no enclosed space | May be lengthy and claustrophobic | Quick, but limited information |