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Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

The Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound assesses the tendons and ligaments that hold the muscles and bones in alignment. This ultrasound also evaluates the joint spaces for fluid or inflammation that may limit joint movement. Areas examined may include:

- Shoulder 

- Elbow joint and tendons 

- Wrist/Carpal Tunnel 

- Hand or fingers

- Knee joint and tendons 

- Ankle joint 

- Achilles tendon 

- Foot or toes 

- Plantar Fascia (sole of foot) 

- Muscles or tendons (lumps) 

- Hip bursa (fluid-filled sac or saclike cavity) 

- Ganglion (hard bump above a tendon or in the capsule that encloses a joint)

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. 

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed. 

  • Wear comfortable clothes.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You may be asked to change into a gown. 

  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to the area being

    scanned. 

  • Your sonographer will ask you to expose your shoulder to apply the gel and scan the area. 

  • The sonographer will then move the transducer over your shoulder to obtain images. 

  • You may be asked to change position to get a complete set of images from different angles. 

  • You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images. 

  • The radiologist may come into the scan room after your exam to speak to you about your results. You will then be free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

  • We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

  • This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan.