Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

What You Need to Know About Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

​By Dr Khong Lamvichit on 30 January 2017

What you should know about your Ultrasound Examination

Your doctor recommended an ultrasound examination of one or more parts of your musculoskeletal system.  You may have heard about diagnostic ultrasound examinations or possibly been examined with ultrasound in the past, but you may still have questions about your examination.  To help answer your questions, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) - an organization of doctors, sonographers, and scientists - has prepared a collection of information answering the  most commonly asked questions.

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is ordinary sound with the exception its frequency or pitch, is higher than people can hear.  When sent into the body from a handheld device called a transducer, ultrasound travels through tissue and is reflected from internal structures.  The reflections, or "echoes," return to the transducer, where they are converted electronically into images.  These continuously changing images are displayed on a monitor and may be recorded on an android tablet or cloud space.

Is Diagnostic Ultrasound Safe?

There are absolutely no known harmful effects associated with the medical use of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound.  Although the possibility exists that biological effects may be identified in the future, current information indicates that the benefits to patients far outweigh any potential risks.

Why Do I need a Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination?

Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound examination to look for causes of joint or muscle pain or to evaluate a lump.

Are There Any Special Preparations for the Examination?

There are no special preparations for a musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. 

How is a Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination Performed?

The transducer is placed on the skin surface after a gel is applied to provide better contact.  The gel may feel cool and may temporarily stain clothes, so you may want to wear easily washable clothing.  A paper or cloth gown will be provided if necessary.  The room is usually darkened during the examination so the examiner can see the monitor screen.

How Will I feel During the Examination?

There is no pain involved in an diagnostic ultrasound examination unless the area being examined is sensitive.  When discomfort occurs, it is usually very tolerable.

Who Will Perform the Examination?

The examination is usually performed by Dr. Khong Lamvichit, another specially trained health care professional called a sonographer, or other doctors trained in sonography.  The images obtained from the examination will be interpreted by Dr. Khong Lamvichit or another doctor trained in sonography.  This interpretation may not be available immediately after you have your examination.

What are the Limitations of This Examination?

The quality of a diagnostic ultrasound examination depends on the ultrasound equipment used and the experience and knowledge of the examiner and interpreting doctor.  Because bone weakens sound waves, ultrasound is not good for examining bones or deep parts of joints.

Dr. Khong Lamvichit has implemented the use of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound in his practice to assist with his assessments and to better diagnose sports injuries.  His patients are better served from this method and treatments are more precise for their recovery.  In the end of 2016, Dr. Khong Lamvichit paved the way for chiropractic physicians in Illinois to obtain an ultrasound transducer capable of linking to a mobile android device. and became the first chiropractic physician to own the Philips Lumify L12-4 broadband linear array transducer in Chicago, IL.

Look to visit: http://www.aium.org/aboutUs/aboutUs.aspx for additional information of Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound in Chicago, IL.

References:
1. Retrieved January 30, 2017, from http://www.aium.org/
2. https://www.lumify.philips.com/web/products-accessories
​​

Dr. Khong Lamvichit

​For a number of years, Dr. Khong Lamvichit has been establishing himself as a leading movement doctor in physical therapy, writer, presenter, sports injury doctor and Chiropractic sports physician in Chicago, IL. Currently owner and president of Midwest Sport and Spine Inc.  at River North in Chicago, IL. 

​​​
​In addition to extensive fitness experience, having trained under reputable sports doctors in his field, Dr. Khong has been a long time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai practitioner, and currently training independently in gymnastics, yoga, capoeira, and the Ido Portal method. 

​Dr. Khong also works professionally as a presenter and consultant for crossfit and powerlifting gyms throughout the Chicago Land area.  Dr. Khong is originally from St. Petersburg, Florida and is a graduate of the Florida Gulf Coast University and National University of Health Sciences.  Dr. Khong Lamvichit is a nationally board certified Chiropractic physician in Chicago, Illinois.