What is a Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound?
A neuromusculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging technique that provides real-time anatomic and physiologic information of the neuromusculoskeletal system and helps to diagnose neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Ultrasound imaging (sonography) is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal structures of your body, such as organs, tissues, or blood flow within the body. The sound waves are produced by a device called a transducer. As they pass through your body, they produce echoes, which are captured to create real-time images that can be observed on a computer screen and interpreted by your doctor.
A neuromusculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound works on the same principle as ultrasound technology that makes use of high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic images (sonograms) of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) and musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments). Diagnostic ultrasound is a safe and painless way of using sound waves to view parts of the human anatomy and can provide valuable information for the evaluation and diagnosis of various conditions pertaining to the neuromusculoskeletal system.
Indications for Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound
Neuromusculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound may be recommended for diagnosing neuromusculoskeletal conditions, such as:
- Muscle tears
- Strains
- Sprains
- Trapped nerves
- Arthritis
- Artery blockage
- Hemorrhage
- Aneurysms
- Tumors, and
- Other neuromusculoskeletal conditions
Who is a Good Candidate for Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound?
Any individual experiencing nerve disorders, arthritis, or muscle pain, with or without inflammation, may be recommended to go through this procedure. Other candidates may include individuals with infections or soft tissue masses or athletes or others who have experienced an acute injury or have a chronic condition. Because neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound causes minimal discomfort or risk, anyone of any age, old or young, pregnant or not, may be qualified for the procedure.
Preparation for Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound
In general, preparation for neuromusculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound involves the following steps:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that can easily be removed if needed.
- Contact lenses and jewelry items need to be removed prior to the procedure.
Procedure for Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound
Neuromusculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound is a simple outpatient procedure. During a neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound, a hand-held scanning device called a transducer is placed on your skin. The transducer conveys high-pitched, inaudible sound waves that move through the body. Denser substances such as bone reflect the waves back while liquid, including water, allows the waves to pass through. The transducer converts wave activity into accurate pictures of muscles, tendons, nerves, and other structures.
Your orthopedist, rheumatologist, ultrasound technician, or radiologist may perform the scanning. You will be asked to lie or sit down, depending upon where the pain or other problem is located. An ultrasound gel is applied over the affected region to provide lubrication and help conduct the sound waves. A device called a transducer, which produces and receives sound waves, is glided over the gel. The computer generates images of the region of the body based on the information sent back by the transducer and stored for your doctor to review.
Post-Procedure Care
You will have no activity or diet restrictions after the procedure. You can drink or eat normally and return to work or home soon after the test is completed. The results of the diagnostic ultrasound scan will be made known to you immediately or after your doctor evaluates the results.
Benefits of Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound
Neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound can commonly provide a clearer image of your tendons, nerves, musculature, and other affected structures than either an X-ray, CT, or MRI test - or the test may complement those other procedures. Ultrasound does not require receiving a contrast agent injection. As it does not use radiation, it presents none of the health risks connected with X-rays. Unlike in the case of MRI, you are not confined in an enclosed area, so you will not experience claustrophobia.
