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Ultrasound and X-ray exams are the most commonly performed medical imaging exams. They are both used to get a clear picture of structures in your body and examine areas of concern.
Ultrasound imaging uses high frequency sound waves transmitted through a handheld device to examine your organs, tissues, and blood vessels. X-ray imaging uses a small amount of radiation, passing it through a body part, to see your bones and the spaces between them. One looks at the soft tissues of your body and the other looks at the hard parts, but they are often used together to diagnose a problem.
A musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a specialized exam that looks specifically at your muscles and joints. MSK ultrasound technologists have special training in looking at muscles, some ligaments, nerves, and tendons. A radiologist will interpret these images to determine if they are normal or not.
Anyone can have an MSK ultrasound. These exams aren’t limited to athletes or young people; if you have pain or a concern with your joints or muscles, an MSK ultrasound may be appropriate.
An MSK ultrasound may help determine the source of your muscle or joint symptoms. For example, if you have a lump that you are concerned about, we will examine if it’s fluid-filled or solid, where it’s located, and if it’s attached to anything. Each answer can lead to the appropriate treatment, or to further investigation.
If an injury to your tendon or muscle is suspected, we can see if it’s intact or torn. Ultrasound can help determine the extent of the injury, sometimes clarify if surgery is indicated, and assess how well these injuries are healing.
Some common diagnoses that may be evaluated by an MSK ultrasound include:
Ultrasound can allow the technologist and radiologist to watch your anatomy move in real time, such as examining how tendons move around joints, and if a joint separates when stressed. Plus, as the patient, you can show us exactly where you feel your symptoms, so we can pinpoint your area of concern at the time of imaging.
Ultrasound doesn’t use radiation, so it can be safely performed on all patients including pregnant women and babies. Compared to other types of imaging, it is also very portable.
Mayfair Diagnostics has 13 locations across Calgary which provide ultrasound services, as well as one in Cochrane and one in Regina. For more information about the different types of ultrasound exams and what to expect during your exam, please visit our services page.
REFERENCES
Gonzales, S. (2019) “9 Amazing Facts about Ultrasound Imaging.” www.p2sportscare.com. Accessed October 3, 2022.
Petscavage-Thomas, J. (2014) “Clinical applications of dynamic functional musculoskeletal ultrasound.” Penn State Hershey Medical Center. www.dovepress.com. Accessed October 3, 2022.
Wang, Q., et al. (2017) “Quantitative Analysis of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Techniques and Clinical Applications.” Biomed Research International. Accessed October 3, 2022.
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Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of your abdomen. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.
Your health care practitioners may order an abdomen CT scan to examine one of the following (or, for a more comprehensive exam, a combined abdomen/pelvis CT):
A cause of pain or swelling.
Lymph nodes or blood vessels.
The kidney or bladder.
The liver, pancreas, or spleen.
The small or large bowel.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?
WITHOUT CONTRAST: If contrast is not used, you will need to fast for two hours prior to your appointment.
ORAL CONTRAST: If oral contrast is prescribed, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your appointment and arrive two hours prior to your exam, unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.
IV CONTRAST: If oral contrast and/or IV contrast is prescribed, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check-in with reception.
Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
Please do not drink coffee, tea, or juice six hours prior to your exam.
