Diagnostic Ultrasound Scans & Guided Steroid Injections

Diagnostic Ultrasound is a specialised radiological assessment modality that requires extensive training and experience. Sonography is not a protected title and can be performed by any UK practitioner. To ensure diagnostic accuracy and quality patient care, Suegnet completed a PGCert CASE-approved MSK Sonography course, at Brunel University. She received extensive mentoring from a MSK consultant radiologist and various expert sonographers. Additionally, to enhance her skillset she worked in various NHS radiology departments. Suegnet reports and perform ultrasound guided injections, joint aspirations, high volume tendon injections, barbotages and hydro-distension procedures, amongst other specialised procedures. She attends various CPD courses to stay abreast of the latest research and techniques. Suegnet is a HCPC-registered independent prescriber and able to prescribe the required medication to offer a ‘one-stop’ treatment plan without unnecessary costly onwards referrals.

How does Diagnostic Ultrasound work?

Diagnostic Ultrasound in musculoskeletal and sports medicine is used to identify more objectively where pathology is located. To perform a Diagnostic Ultrasound, ultrasound waves are produced by a transducer or probe. The probe is placed on the patient. Non-audible sound waves are then emitted into the body-region that is being assessed. Acoustic properties are then sent back to the probe and transferred into electrical energy that are analysed by the ultrasound equipment, to produce an ultrasound image.

**Scans are performed with a GE Next Gen Logiq E**

What are the Advantages of using Diagnostic Ultrasound ?

Soft tissue structure can be assessed non-invasively up to a depth 4-6 cm.
Safety first! No damaging radiation as compared to other imaging modalities for instance X-ray imaging.
Easy comparison can be made to the opposite side to determine what is normal and abnormal.
Immediate ‘Real-time’ dynamic assessment of movement to determine where the pain or pathology is located. This is not possible on MRI!
To measure progress during rehabilitation and the healing response.
Safer and objective decision making when to return to sport after injury.
Doppler signalling to establish changes in vascularisation that indicated inflammation. This is not visible on MRI!
Children can safely be assessed.
Avoid other unnecessary and costly imaging modalities.
Proactive approach to manage sports injuries.
Rapid accurate diagnosis can be established to avoid unnecessary time wasted, where conservative treatment is not indicated and onwards referral is warranted.