Real-time assessment of selected soft tissues during movement.
OrthoFairfax · Fairfax, Virginia
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of selected muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures.
Why OrthoFairfax
A thoughtful, individualized approach to musculoskeletal ultrasound
A real-time imaging examination used to assess selected muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, and joints.
No ionizing radiation is used during ultrasound imaging.
Can help correlate examination findings with the area causing symptoms.
May help determine whether additional imaging or evaluation is needed.
Can support planning for selected ultrasound-guided procedures.
Conditions this treatment may address
These are examples for discussion, not a promise that the treatment is suitable. The diagnosis, evidence, risks, and alternatives guide individual decisions.
Learn more
Understanding these conditions
Review why each condition may be discussed and why treatment decisions need to be individualized.
Tendinopathy and tendon tears
Ultrasound can show selected tendon changes and some tears. The usefulness depends on the tendon, the question being asked, and the examiner’s findings.
Ligament injuries
Some superficial ligaments can be assessed with ultrasound. Other injuries may require different imaging or further evaluation.
Bursitis
Ultrasound may show fluid or changes in a bursa near a painful joint and can help relate those findings to symptoms.
Joint effusions
An effusion is extra fluid within or around a joint. Ultrasound can help identify fluid in selected joints, but fluid alone does not establish its cause.
Selected muscle injuries
Ultrasound may help assess certain muscle injuries, particularly in accessible areas. It does not replace every type of imaging.
Procedure planning
Ultrasound may be used to identify anatomy and guide selected injections when imaging guidance is clinically appropriate.
Ultrasound cannot answer every imaging question. Your clinician may recommend another test when it is better suited to your symptoms. This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of selected muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures. Whether a procedure is appropriate depends on a person's diagnosis, medical history, goals, and the available evidence.
Is this option right for me?
Your evaluation should start with the symptoms, examination findings, health history, and goals that matter to you. A treatment should be considered only when its likely benefits, limitations, and alternatives make sense for your specific diagnosis.
Questions to ask at your visit
- What condition is the treatment intended to address?
- What evidence supports it for my specific situation?
- What benefits are realistic, and how will we measure improvement?
- What are the risks, side effects, alternatives, and costs?
- What preparation and aftercare instructions would apply?
Potential benefits and limitations
No treatment works for everyone. Outcomes can vary, and a procedure may not be appropriate for all diagnoses or patients. Ask how the option compares with other approaches and what the next step would be if it does not help.
Risks, safety, and follow-up
Tell your clinician about medical conditions, allergies, medications, and prior procedures. Ask what side effects are expected, which symptoms need urgent attention, how to manage activity afterward, and when follow-up should occur. Instructions depend on the exact procedure and your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions. Your clinician can help apply this information to your individual situation.
What is musculoskeletal ultrasound?
It is an imaging test that uses sound waves to view certain muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, and joints in real time. It does not use ionizing radiation.
What can ultrasound show?
Depending on the body area and the question, it may help assess selected tendon, muscle, bursal, joint, or superficial soft-tissue problems. It does not show every structure or condition equally well.
Does the scan hurt?
The examination is generally well tolerated. A clinician moves a small probe over the skin with gel; pressure on a tender area may briefly be uncomfortable.
Do I need to prepare?
Preparation depends on the area being examined and the appointment instructions. Ask the office whether you should wear particular clothing or bring prior imaging or reports.
Is ultrasound a replacement for MRI?
Not in every situation. Ultrasound and MRI have different strengths and limitations, and the appropriate test depends on the clinical question and the structures being evaluated.
This information is for general education and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
ORTHOFAIRFAX · FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
Have questions about treatment options?
Contact the office to ask about scheduling and discuss your questions with the care team.