Weil Foot & Ankle Institute

Award-Winning Chicago Podiatrists For Ultrasound-Guided Treatment.The use of ultrasound to evaluate musculoskeletal structures was first reported in 1958. Since then, its use has grown exponentially, particularly in the office setting. Ultrasound enables physicians to reliably visualize soft-tissue structures including muscle bellies, tendons, ligaments, arteries, and nerves, as well as identify any pathologic changes within these structures (AAOS, 2015). BENEFITS OF ULTRASOUND.The use of ultrasound has several advantages, including the relatively lower cost compared to other imaging methods and the absence of ionizing radiation. It is a repeatable, noninvasive imaging modality that is capable of providing real-time dynamic tissue assessment. In addition, ultrasound can be used to quickly compare the affected and contralateral sides when necessary.Ultrasound has also been used as an imaging guide for intra-articular or soft-tissue injections to help improve accuracy. Using ultrasound guidance, a physician can directly visualize a treatment’s path and the immediate structures around it, thereby minimizing risk of injury to adjacent nerves or blood vessels.The use of ultrasound enables the physician to safely and precisely deliver therapies to the affected area with a greater margin of safety.