US SOFT TISSUE SCAN

A US Soft Tissue Scan is a form of imaging that is also referred to as a musculoskeletal ultrasound. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the tissues in your body, including tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This test is very useful for diagnosing and treating various issues within the musculoskeletal system including injuries, inflammation, and even some diseases. 

What is US Soft Tissue Scan? 

The US Soft Tissue Scan uses ultrasound imaging to capture soft tissues within the body. A technician administering the scan will apply a gel to the affected area and will use a transducer to send high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the sound waves travel throughout the body, the internal structures will reflect the sound waves, which are then used to form images of the tissues. 

Types of US Soft Tissue Scan 

US soft tissue scans have the following types: 

• Diagnostic ultrasound: This determines and tracks musculoskeletal disorders. 
• Interventional ultrasound: This assists in conducting injections or treatments. 
• Dynamic ultrasound: This observes the active movements of a joint or muscle. 

As the examination is performed, the technician and Radiologist will take into account these parameters. 

• Tissue description and structure 
• Fluid level or inflammation 
• Tendon or ligament tears or ruptures 
• Musclular tone and thickness 
• Joint or bone alignment 

A US Soft Tissue Scan may be prescribed for the following conditions or symptoms: 

• Soft tissue joint sprains or tears 
• Inflammatory conditions, like tendonitis and bursitis 
• Complicated disorders, including osteoarthiritis or rheumtoid arthritis. 
• Subcutaneous sovereign or cystic neoplasms 
• Pain or stiifness of muscular or synovial joints 

When and Who Needs A US Soft Tissue Scan? 

A soft tissue scan may be helpful for patients who have any of the following symptoms: 

• Pain or swelling in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or other soft tissues. 
• Pain in the joints with restricted motion or mobility. 
• Ongoing or recent injury to the musculoskeletal system. 
• Abnormal rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. 
• Unusual soft tissue lumps or masses. 

This test is appropriate for children as well as older citizens, meaning anyone within this age range is eligible. 

Benefits of taking the US Soft Tissue Scan

The US Soft Tissue Scan offers all of the following advantages: 

• An examination is carried out without damaging the body, which means there is no pain. 
• Does not include exposure to radiation 
• Few side effects or complications that are minimal 
• Provides higher quality images of softer structures 

Illnesses Diagnosed via US Soft Tissue Scan

These are the usual conditions diagnosed with the US Soft Tissue Scan: 

• Inflammation of tendons 
• Inflammation of bursae 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Tumors or cysts in soft tissues 
• Sprains of ligaments 
• Strains of muscles 

Patients should: 

1. Put on loose or comfortable clothing 
2. Remove jewelry that can obstruct the test. 
3. Be ready to answer questions about them and their symptoms relating to their medical history. 

Pre-Requisites 

No relative specific pre-requisites exist for US Soft Tissue Scan. However, patients may be expected to: 

1. Refrain from eating for a certain amount of hours before the test. 
2. Abstain from some medications or other substances that might be untoward for the test. 

Best Time to Take US Soft Tissue Scan 

The US Soft Tissue Scan can be done at any time. However, it's advisable to plan the test for some time when the patient is most at ease and able to relax. 

Eligibility: The US Soft Tissue Scan can be provided to patients of almost all ages. However, patients with some medical implants or conditions may not be able to qualify for the test. 

Procedure for taking the US soft tissue scan: 

The US soft tissue scan can be completed in anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour. The procedures are as follows: 

1. The patient lies down on the examination table. 
2. The technician applies gel to the area that is being scanned. 
3. The technician inserts the transducer and starts moving high-frequency sound waves into the body. 
4. Sound waves produced are able to bounce on your body’s internal structures. These sound waves are known as echoes and the scan utilizes them to produce images of the soft tissue. 
5. The technician may ask the patient to perform subtle movements with the affected limb or joint in order to assess the range of motion and functionality. 

Cautions During the Scan 

Patients must take into account the following steps: 

• Notify the technician or the radiologist with any existing medical implants or conditions that might create a problem during the test. 
• Do not wear any articles of clothing that could possibly interfere with the test being conducted. 
• Understand that discussing medical history along with symptomatology is important during the procedure.