|
Return to Articles Main Page
Overview
Podiatry Affiliates is happy to announce that we now offer Diagnostic Ultrasound in our office. This device is a new, innovative, diagnostic tool used to make a live image of the structures beneath the skin. Ultrasound can play an important role in examining soft tissue structures such as ligaments or tendons, which cannot be visualized on a standard x-ray. The results are immediate and the examination poses no risk to the patient. No ionizing radiation is involved.
How Does It Work?
The process incorporates harmless, high frequency sound waves emitted from a probe. These waves penetrate different tissue areas as they travel through the designated area. The sound waves are produced by a transducer, which is a hand-held device placed on the foot and/or other body parts (Fig. 1). The computer processes the information and produces an image, which is used to evaluate any number of pathologies. This image can be printed at the time of the exam, recorded for later or saved as still images. |
|
The Examination
The examination is painless and can be used in the presence of pacemakers and metallic implants or other hardware. A gel is placed on the area to be examined and the transducer is placed over it. The gel is used as the ultrasound produced cannot travel through air. The examination can be completed in a short period of time. The results are immediate and can be read by the podiatrist in the office rather than waiting for a radiologist when an MRI or other examination is performed.
Why Is It Used?
Diagnostic ultrasound can greatly assist in acquiring a rapid and accurate diagnosis in many conditions. An advantage, besides safety, is the ability to perform live, active and/or passive range of motion studies. It allows the podiatrist to observe and record motion studies such as tendon, muscle or ligament tears (Fig. 2). In some cases, the podiatrist is able to visualize injections directly into a cyst (e.g. ganglion) to insure accurate placement of medication.
What Conditions Can Ultrasound Evaluate? |
|
Some of the conditions in the foot that can be evaluated with diagnostic ultrasound include the following:
- Plantar Fascitis (Heel Pain)
- Heel Spurs
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Stress Fractures
- Achilles tendon Injuries
- Tendonitis/Tendon Tears
- Ankle Ligament Sprains
- Ligament Tears
- Cysts/Ganglions
- Bursitis
- Rheumatoid Nodules
- Foreign Bodies
Return to Articles Main Page
Our Services | Referring Physicians | About Us | Frequently Asked Questions | Blog | Articles
Surgical Animations | Links | News & Press | Photo Gallery
Contact Us | Home | Legal Notice | Privacy Statement | Site Map
Copyright © Buffalo Medical Group P.C. / Podiatry Affiliates
Website Design, Maintenance and Hosting by Catalyst Marketing / Worry Free Websites |
