At Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, we’re committed to using the latest and most advanced technology to ensure you receive the exceptional treatment outcome you deserve. In recent years, ultrasound technology has played an increasingly prominent role in our ability to effectively diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to provide detailed imaging of an area of the body. This imaging technology can be used as part of the diagnostic process to get a better understanding of what is causing the problem. In addition, it can be used to improve the precision of nonsurgical treatment options such as injections.
Using Ultrasound for Diagnostics
Ultrasound provides an effective way to diagnose sports injuries and other issues that may require the treatment of an orthopedic specialist. They are often used in conjunction with x-rays to provide greater detail and a more accurate diagnosis. Muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves aren’t easily seen on x-rays, but they show up much more clearly using ultrasound. In addition, they are much more affordable than alternative imaging solutions such as MRIs and CT scans, making them an attractive option for patients.
Portable Ultrasound Machine
A portable ultrasound machine performs the diagnostic imaging right in the exam room, eliminating the need to make a special trip to a radiology lab. A small probe moves across the injured area, and our surgeons can view the images on a small monitor connected to the machine.
Our orthopedic surgeons can use ultrasound to diagnose a wide range of injuries, including:
Structural tears in ligaments, muscles and tendons
You’ll experience a variety of benefits from ultrasound diagnostic exams:
Real-time imaging
A more interactive patient experience
Instant feedback
Side-to-side comparisons
No harmful radiation used
Cost savings compared with MRI, CT scan and other imaging solutions
More comfortable than alternative diagnostic exams such as MRIs
Can be used safely on patients with pacemakers and other metal implants
Ultrasound-Guided Injections
Ultrasound has also been increasingly used with cortisone and other steroid injections to provide more accurate results. Traditional injection techniques often fail hit the precise target region, with upwards of 50% of these injections missing the mark. The use of ultrasound provides our surgeons with detailed visualization of the treatment region while the needle is delivering the medication to the target location.
The primary benefit of ultrasound-guided injections is the ability to see the needle in real time as it is placed into the treatment region. This significantly increases the ability to make sure the medication is delivered in the precise location to achieve the best results.
An additional benefit of using ultrasound is that it eliminates the need for the injections to be performed by radiologists. Instead, our surgeons can complete the treatment in our offices, providing added convenience.
At Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, we perform the following ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided injections:
At Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, we understand the importance of an accurate diagnosis to delivering the proper treatments you require. By using ultrasound technology, we’re able to raise the bar for our diagnostic services, ensuring that we make the right recommendations for your specific needs and goals.
In addition, the use of ultrasound with our injection procedures ensures we’re able to deliver the effective results you deserve. While our doctors are highly trained and experienced surgeons, we believe it’s important to pursue more conservative treatment plans before recommending surgery. Ultrasound-guided injections deliver the outcomes necessary to delay the need for surgery as long as possible.
When you work with Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, you’ll have peace of mind that the most advanced technology is used for diagnosing and treating your condition. This is one of the ways we fulfill our commitment of providing the amazing experience our patients deserve.
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We serve patients in Meeker and throughout the White River Valley.
