Musculoskeletal ultrasound - used to best advantage

Effective management of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain revolves around a good history and physical examination, as well as a more detailed knowledge of anatomy than is required in other related medical disciplines. Imaging - if indicated - should not be looked upon as the panacea for problem solving but needs to be considered in the light of what a particular modality is best designed to do.

In the practice of cost effective medicine, a specific imaging modality must be chosen on the basis that it is the best economically to provide the information sought which in turn allows the formulation of an appropriate management plan.

Ultrasound imaging has many advantages over other modalities for assessing musculoskeletal dysfunction. The major advantages are no radiation, 'real time' allows visualisation of functioning tissue, and it is the gold standard for assessing tendons. The most expensive or latest imaging modality is not always the most appropriate.