Ultrasound Scanning
Sayer Clinics Ultrasound Scans.
Our MSK Ultrasound findings help direct our patients to a wide range of treatment techniques drawing from our Physical Therapy, manipulation, acupuncture, shiatsu and massage experts to treat the needs of each patient.
We use Sayer Clinic’s state-of-the-art 2017 Doppler Colour Ultrasound which can give each patient a focused assessment to help accurately diagnose musculoskeletal joint, ligament, tendon, muscular or nerve pain.
We can ultrasound scan the following musculoskeletal regions:
- Shoulder: Supraspinatous, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis Rotator Cuff muscles and musculotendinous attachments. Biceps tendon.
- Elbow: Lateral and medial epicondilitis, Cubital tunnel.
- Wrist: Carpal tunnel,
- Hand
- Knee: Baker's cyst, ligamentous damage, meniscus partial scan.
- Ankle: tendinous tears or damage,
- Calf: Achilles tendon, calf muscle tears, ligamentous damage and effusion.
- Foot: Morton's neuroma, Plantar Fascitis, Spring ligament
What is Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. Unlike other imaging technologies (MRI, CT, X-rays) ultrasound does not use any potentially harmful ionizing radiation.
Another advantage of ultrasound is that it captures images in real-time so we can video image the structure and movement of the body’s tendons and internal organs, as well as blood flowing through arteries and veins.
We use ultrasound to diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. This includes problems of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue throughout the body.
What are some common applications of the procedure?
Ultrasound images are typically used to help diagnose:
- Tendon tears (e.g. rotator cuff in the shoulder or Achilles tendon in the ankle);
- Abnormalities of the muscles, such as tears and soft-tissue masses;
- Bleeding or other fluid collections within the muscles, bursae and joints;
- Soft tissue tumours
How should I prepare?
When you come in for an ultrasound exam, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow access to the area to be examined. You will be asked to provide written and verbal consent and you may bring a friend or colleague to act as your chaperone if you so wish. Before any ultrasound examination you may need to remove clothing in the area to be examined and be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
What does the equipment look like?
Ultrasound scanners consist of a laptop console computer with complex electronics, a video display screen and a small transducer handheld probe to do the scanning. The transducer transmits very high frequency sound waves into the body and then “listens” for the returning echoes to produce a “real-time” image of the area being examined on the display screen.
How does the procedure work?
During an ultrasound examination, the transducer sends and receives inaudible, high-frequency sound waves through the area of the body being examined and as the sound waves bounce off internal organs, fluids and tissues, the sensitive microphone in the transducer records tiny changes in the sound’s pitch and direction. These waves are instantly measured and displayed by a computer, which in turn creates real-time images on the monitor.
How is the procedure performed?
Most MSK ultrasound exams are performed with the patient seated or lying on an examination table.
Once you are positioned correctly, the sonographer will apply a clear, water-based gel to the area of the body being examined. The gel helps ensure that the transducer makes a secure connection with the body - eliminating air pockets between the transducer and the skin which interfere with sound waves. The sonographer then presses the transducer carefully against the skin in various locations to capture the area being examined.
Ultrasound examinations are fast and painless.
If the area being scanned is tender, you may feel pressure or minor discomfort from the transducer. After an ultrasound examination, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
Ultrasound is performed by a clinician trained to interpret ultrasound examinations. We will review the ultrasound images and explain the results of the examination with you.
Benefits
- Ultrasound is noninvasive and pain-free.
- Ultrasound is far less expensive than other imaging methods (MRI, CT, X-ray).
- Unlike other imaging technologies like CT scans which use extremely high x-ray doses, ultrasound does not use any ionizing radiation.
- Ultrasound is unaffected by cardiac pacemakers, magnetic implants or metal fragments in the body.
- Ultrasound produces better images of tendons and some soft tissue structures than MRI.
Risks
Diagnostic ultrasound has no known harmful effects to humans.
What does the equipment look like?
Ultrasound scanners consist of a laptop console computer with complex electronics, a video display screen and a small transducer handheld probe to do the scanning. The transducer transmits very high frequency sound waves into the body and then “listens” for the returning echoes to produce a “real-time” image of the area being examined on the display screen.
What is the cost of an ultrasound exam?
The costs for ultrasound-guided examinations and treatments vary widely but we are charging low fees of £50 per area to be examined and reported. Some US exams are covered by insurance.
Discuss the fees for your ultrasound exam with your insurer to understand what is covered by your insurance.
Insurance
Some Ultrasound examinations are covered by insurance.
Discuss the fees for your ultrasound exam with your insurer.
Instant Ultrasound Scans in West London Kensington W8
Got any questions? Not sure what appointment to book?
We're always here to help from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Simply email mail@sayerclinics.com and Lucie, Gen or Signe will assist you.