WHAT IS ULTRASOUND?
Ultrasound is any sound at a frequency that is above the range of human hearing. Diagnostic medical ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body, and is broken into several subgroups according to the specialized area of the body focused upon by a specific procedure. Ultrasound images of the heart are called echocardiograms, and the procedure is called echocardiography; ultrasound images of most other parts of the body are called sonograms, and the procedure is commonly called sonography. In sports medicine, ultrasound is used to detect injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints that plain x-rays do not show. Unlike many other imaging procedures, ultrasound does not use x rays or other forms of ionizing radiation. An instrument called a transducer is placed against the body, and special gel helps transmit the sound. In most types of diagnostic medical ultrasound examinations, the transducer emits short bursts of sound, which bounce off a structure and return to the transducer. These echoes are processed by a computer, and the images they create are displayed on a monitor.
WHO ARE THE ULTRASOUND PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED IN MY CARE?
Dr. Zaharoff is trained to perform and interpret ultrasound examinations. She has completed extensive and specialized education course work in the field of diagnostic medical ultrasound. She will utilize the ultrasound findings to determine the cause of your pain or injury and develop the individual treatment program that is right for you.
She has also had extensive training in performing ultrasound guided injections to add to the safety and effectiveness of injection therapies she may utilize in your treatment plan.
WHAT TRAINING IS NECESSARY TO USE DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND?
Diagnostic medical ultrasound should be used in a prudent manner to provide a medical benefit to the patient. Nonmedical use of ultrasound for psychosocial or entertainment purposes is strongly discouraged. The use of ultrasound only to view a fetus, obtain a picture of a fetus, or determine the fetal sex without a medical indication is inappropriate and contrary to responsible medical practice.
WHAT TYPES OF INJURIES CAN YOU DIAGNOSE WITH ULTRASOUND?
Ultrasound is very useful in diagnosing injuries of soft tissue structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some bone, joint and cartilage injuries may also be identified but other tests like MRI’s and CT scans may be more effective for these areas. Common problems that are readily identified by ultrasound include rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, ganglion cysts of the wrist, hip bursitis, plantar fasciitis, calcium deposits in tendons, bone spurs, along with muscle tears and ligaments injuries.
Our staff is ready to assist you in scheduling an office visit or consultation, call (210) 616.0646. If you have questions for Dr. Z, please forward via our contact form.