What Is An Ultrasound of the Knee Examination?
An ultrasound scan is a painless test that allows live imaging of the inside of the body by using high frequency sound waves which are ‘reflected’ back to the probe from within the body. The knee joint is a bicondylar synovial hinge joint which allows for flexion and extension. The knee joint is incredibly strong and is the largest joint in the body. Its role is to provide strength, support and flexibility while standing, walking and bending down. Knee pain is common as the knee is a frequent point of contact during traumatic accidents and it is prone to wear and tear due to its weight bearing nature.
Ultrasound is quick painless and readily available, and has an advantage over conventional MRI / CT as ultrasound is a dynamic examination. This means ultrasound helps to evaluate the muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue that make up the hip joint upon movement in real time.
What is the Purpose of the scan?
The purpose behind an ultrasound examination of the knee is to provide an ultrasonic assessment of the musculoskeletal structures. They Include:
Quadraceps Tendon.
Patellar Tendon.
Bursa.
Bicepsfemoris.
ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament).
PCL (Posterior cruciate ligament).
Medial cruciate ligament.
Lateral cruciate ligament.
What Preparation Do I Need For This Scan?
There is no preparation required for a knee ultrasound examination.
Please bring along any information / medical notes / reports which are in relation to a knee ultrasound examination as they may provide useful information for the scan.
Common Indications for performing an Knee Ultrasound scan?
Reasons why you should have an ultrasound examination of the knee include:
Pain.
Tears (Patellar tendon / Quadraceps tendon).
Inflammation.
Reduced Movement.
Tumours and cancers.
Bursitis.
Tendinosis.
Gout.
Torn ligament, hamstring muscle, meniscus.
Bakers cyst.
Fractured knee cap.
Post surgical complication i.e. oedema, abscess, haematoma.
Soft tissue masses i.e. lipoma, ganglia.
Haematomas.
Classification of a mass solid, cystic, oedema.
Why choose us?
The experience on your journey through our service is our priority, providing a relaxing, informative and window into the world of your knee. This is enabled with the latest ultrasound imaging technology and experienced expert sonographer’s with proven high quality imaging protocols, pathways and procedures in place. We are trusted by GP’s, doctors, physiotherapists, midwifes and many other healthcare professionals.
Furthermore we currently provide services to large national organisations and unlike other many other diagnostic clinics provide services to specific NHS organisations which require us to have in place extremely strict quality control measures.
Who will I see?
You will be cared for by a small team and seen by a specialist healthcare professional that has proven experience, and specialised in musculoskeletal ultrasound. Unlike other diagnostic imaging ultrasound is “real time” imaging and the quality of the scan and ultimately the information you take away depends upon the expertise, experience & skill of the person scanning you. This is an important point for consideration and hence why at Medison imaging you will always be seen by an expert who has vast expertise and experience in the field of Musculoskeletal ultrasound.
LIMITATIONS
Patients who are unable to co-operate due to reduce cognitive functions e.g. dementia.
Patients who have had recent surgery, ultrasound visualisation maybe limited due to oedema, haematoma, surgical staples, dressings etc.
Ultrasound is complimentary with other imaging modalities such as X-Ray, CT, MRI and arthroscopy.