When someone has knee pain, shoulder tightness, or a swollen joint, the first step is usually an X-ray. But that often leads to a dead end. The pain is real – but the X-ray looks normal. So what now?
A recent study from a pain clinic showed how musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) helped physicians do more than just guess. Over 400 patients were assessed. The researchers tracked how this tool was used to both diagnose and guide treatment in real time.
MSK ultrasound isn’t new, but its use in physiatry and pain clinics is growing for a reason. It lets the doctor see tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and fluid in real motion – during the actual visit. The same scan can also guide injections or procedures, with no radiation and no delay.
In this study, three out of four patients received some form of ultrasound-guided treatment. That included joint injections, nerve blocks, or aspirations. Because the needle could be placed with direct visual guidance, the treatment was more targeted – and for many, more effective.
Another finding was how useful MSK ultrasound was for soft-tissue problems that don’t show up on standard scans. It gave physicians the confidence to identify inflammation, small tears, bursitis, and tendon thickening that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Pain that lingers can often be misdiagnosed. The symptoms overlap. The problem may not be visible on an X-ray or even MRI. What MSK ultrasound offers is real-time feedback, during the physical exam, while the patient describes their pain.
At Accurate Imaging Diagnostics, this scan is often requested when there’s ongoing joint or soft tissue pain with no clear answer. It’s also used to guide cortisone or platelet-rich plasma injections with more accuracy, especially for conditions like frozen shoulder, knee arthritis, or rotator cuff inflammation.
The scan itself is fast and comfortable. No preparation is needed. Patients remain awake and can often see the screen during the procedure. The technician or physician can adjust the view based on movement, helping them pinpoint what structure is causing the pain.
There’s no radiation involved, and the scan can be repeated as needed to monitor recovery or guide further treatment.
If your physician has recommended an ultrasound for a joint or muscle issue – or if you’ve been living with unexplained pain – MSK ultrasound is one of the most precise tools available for this kind of assessment. We perform these scans regularly at our Thornhill location for both diagnosis and image-guided care.
To book or learn more, contact Accurate Imaging Diagnostics at (905) 709-3939 or visit accurateimagingdiagnostics.com.
Reference:
“Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Interventional Management of Common Pain Disorders: Analysis from a Physiatry Pain Clinic.” Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. 2024.
