Ultrasound of joints

The availability, high informativeness and absence of radiation exposure are the main three reasons, for which the ultrasound of joints is most often applied instead of the traditional X-ray or MRT. The ultrasound of joints makes it possible to visualize the structure of joints, which is unavailable while performing the X-ray diagnosing.

WHEN IS ULTRASOUND OF JOINTS NEEDED?

The ultrasound of joints is not only more informative than X-ray, but (in some cases) it can even replace MRT. One of the advantages of the ultrasound examination of joints is the possibility of careful study of the zones, especially troubling the patient, which are determined during the ultrasound (by slightly pressing the ultrasound sensor on the joint).

The ultrasound of joints is usually ordered, if in the patient’s medical record, there are indications for:

• pain in the joints or restraint of their mobility;
• swelling, edema, enlargement of joints;
• crepitus in the joints;
• injuries (new and old);
• pain in the muscles;
• presence of systemic or autoimmune diseases;
• inflammation of joints;
• overweight;
• metabolic disorder.

In case of presence of these complaints, the ultrasound of joints is required, because the earlier the disease is detected, the simpler and cheaper its treatment will be.

ULTRASOUND OF JOINTS IN OXFORD MEDICAL

The clinic conducts the ultrasound of the following joints:

• ankle joint;
• knee joint;
• hip joint;
• wrist joint;
• radiocarpal joint;
• elbow joint;
• shoulder joint.

The ultrasound of joints does not require special preparation; the main thing is that the intraarticular injections are not administered within 4-5 days before the examination.

The ultrasound of the knee joint is conducted in case of suspicion of the rheumatoid arthritis, injury or development of degenerative processes in the joint. The ultrasound of the hip joint is conducted in case of suspicion of fluid collection in the joint, synovitis, arthrosis or necrosis of the Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease. The ultrasound method is also used for examining the problems in periarticular tissues: ruptures of muscles, ligaments and tendons, hematomas in the thigh and gluteal region.

The elbow joint, in view of its size and position, is best of all examined by the ultrasound. The examination is conducted in case of suspicion of the epicondylitis, tennis elbow, complaints about the weakness in hands. The ultrasound of the ankle joint is needed for excluding the rupture of ligaments of the ankle joint, characteristic for athletes.

The ultrasound of the radiocarpal joint and wrist joints is conducted in case of tenosynovitis (chronic inflammation of the wrist joint, caused by the rheumatoid arthritis) and ruptures of tendons. The ultrasound of the shoulder joint helps diagnosing the epicondylitis, injuries of tendons and ligaments, inflammatory processes in the joint (tenosynovitis, tendinitis, bursitis).

If necessary, the doctor orders additional examination – MRT of the joint, which is more informative than the ultrasound, however it is more expensive.

The experienced and qualified doctors perform the examination on the expert-class ultrasound scan Philips ClearVue, which allows obtaining maximally precise and accurate results.

You can make appointment for the ultrasound of joints in Oxford Medical Kyiv clinic by calling us or by filling in the form “Make Appointment” on our website.