Centres/Radiology/Ultrasound/Musculoskeletal ultrasound

Ultrasound of tendons, muscles and joints

Musculoskeletal ultrasound in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Musculoskeletal ultrasound in Tunis: shoulder, knee, tendinitis, muscle tears and joint effusions, with a scan in motion.

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What is it?

A musculoskeletal ultrasound examines tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints. It does not show the inside of bones, but it is very useful for the tissues around them. It is often requested for a painful shoulder (rotator cuff tendons), tendinitis (elbow, wrist, ankle), a muscle tear after exertion or fluid in a joint. Knee ultrasound examines the tendons, the ligaments on the sides of the knee and any cyst at the back of the knee. Its great advantage is that it is dynamic: the doctor asks you to move the joint during the examination and can compare with the other side.

When is it indicated?

Painful shoulder

It looks for tendinitis, calcification or a tear of the rotator cuff tendons.

Tendinitis

It shows thickening or a tear of a tendon (elbow, wrist, knee, ankle).

Muscle tear

After exertion, it shows the extent of the injury and helps plan the return to activity.

Joint effusion or cyst

It finds fluid in a joint or a cyst, and can guide an aspiration.

Preparation

1No special preparation is usually needed

2Wear clothes that are easy to remove or lift over the area to be examined

3Bring X-rays of the area, which are often useful as a complement

4Bring your referral, previous imaging (ultrasound, X-rays, CT scan, MRI) and any relevant reports

Procedure

You sit or lie down depending on the joint being examined

A slightly cold gel is applied to the skin so that the ultrasound waves pass through well

The doctor moves a probe over the skin, pressing lightly; the images appear live on the screen

You are asked to move the joint (raise your arm, bend your knee…) so that the tendons can be seen in motion

The gel is wiped off; you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 15 to 30 minutes

Results

The images are analysed by the doctor performing the examination, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the relevant images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.