How MSK Ultrasound Can Be Used to Diagnose Hand Injuries?

By Dr Khong Lamvichit  August 6, 2024 3min

Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides real-time imaging of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Its application in diagnosing hand injuries is becoming increasingly popular due to its non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and ability to deliver immediate results.

When a patient presents with a hand injury, MSK ultrasound can be used to assess various conditions such as tendon tears, ligament sprains, and nerve entrapments. Unlike X-rays, which primarily capture bone injuries, ultrasound excels at visualizing soft tissue structures. This makes it particularly effective for diagnosing conditions like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.

One of the significant advantages of MSK ultrasound is its dynamic imaging capability. This allows clinicians to observe the hand’s structures in motion, helping to identify abnormalities that might not be visible on static images. For instance, a dynamic ultrasound can reveal how tendons move within their sheaths, highlighting issues like subluxation or snapping.

Moreover, MSK ultrasound is safe for repeated use, making it ideal for monitoring the progression of injuries and the effectiveness of treatments. It also offers the benefit of guiding injections with precision, improving the accuracy of therapeutic interventions.

In summary, MSK ultrasound is a versatile and efficient tool for diagnosing hand injuries, providing detailed insights into soft tissue conditions that are crucial for effective treatment planning.