Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound - Bend Oregon
Dr. Swift uses musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound extensively in his practice to help diagnose, monitor and treat orthopedic conditions. Dr. Swift has extensive training and experience in diagnostic MSK ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures.
Ultrasound is safe, painless, and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body, then bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image.
Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), thus there is no radiation exposure to the patient. Ultrasound is a dynamic examination. Unlike MRI and x-ray, which require patients to remain still, sonographic exams can be performed through a range of motion, for example, to evaluate snapping tendons and painful positions.
With the help of musculoskeletal ultrasound, Dr. Swift completes a variety of nonoperative and minimally invasive procedures related to physical medicine rehabilitation. Dr. Swift believes the real answer for pain is in the body’s healing capacities and not covering it with medicine or injections. Musculoskeletal ultrasound provides a non-invasive guide for Dr. Swift to complete cutting edge procedures in a standard orthopedic practice setting.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is Commonly Used to Diagnose:
-
Tendon tears or tendonitis
-
Muscle tears
-
Ligament sprains or tears
-
Inflammation with joints and muscles
-
Nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome
-
Foreign bodies in the soft tissue
-
Fluid collections
Benefits of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
-
Non-invasive and painless
-
Safe – doesn’t use any ionizing radiation
-
Gives clear images of soft tissues that don’t show up well on x-rays
-
Real-time imaging makes it a good guide for minimally invasive procedures
-
Can clearly see cartilage
Ultrasound Guided Injections
Dr. Swift is a firm believer in guided injections. Ultrasound guidance is especially helpful in musculoskeletal injections. The advantages are clear:
-
Increased accuracy. Studies have demonstrated that ultrasound guided injections are significantly more accurate than blind This allows for better diagnostic value.
-
Increased efficacy. Many studies have shown that ultrasound guided injections have better outcomes than blind
-
Increased safety. The needle is directed to the target in real Nerves and arteries can be identified and avoided. Blind injections rely on surface landmarks and palpation, which can be difficult in larger patients. Ultrasound guidance is preferable for patients who have had difficult injections in the past.
-
Less With ultrasound guidance, the needle is guided to the intended target directly, with less “trial and error” and repositioning. This generally results in a less painful injection.