Ultrasound Use in Sports Medicine
Posted on November 3, 2022 in Primary Care Sports Medicine by Dr. Joshua Hackel
Posted on November 3, 2022 in Primary Care Sports Medicine by Dr. Joshua Hackel
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging offers orthopaedic patients safe, painless, and real-time imaging, without any harmful ionizing radiation or the need for uncomfortable positioning. As the first sports medicine physician in the region to utilize ultrasound for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, Dr. Josh Hackel’s commitment to innovation has improved the accessibility of care for his patients.
The ability to visualize the anatomical structures of a joint or extremity in real-time and under the physics of movement allows him to diagnose soft tissue injuries more accurately. Ultrasound also excels at locating and identifying foreign bodies, as frequently happens in traumatic accidents. The procedure can be used to diagnose tendon, muscle, and ligament tears; sprains; effusions in the joint and bursae; nerve entrapments; and tumors, cysts or abscesses. Additional diagnostic benefits include the ability to identify fluid build-up as with inflammation, tendonitis, and bursitis as well as visualize blood flow within the muscle tissue.
Not only is ultrasound imaging an on-demand and real-time imaging option, but it also allows Dr. Hackel to view the underlying anatomy at rest and in motion, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis. It is also much faster than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans and costs a fraction of other advanced imaging modalities. In fact, one study estimated that substituting ultrasound for MRI, when appropriate in treating musculoskeletal conditions, would save Medicare almost $7 billion in fifteen years!
In addition to diagnostic applications, ultrasound imaging is often used as an adjunct to minimally invasive procedures. Whether Dr. Hackel is performing an injection, orthobiologic/regenerative medicine procedure, or another minimally- or micro-invasive procedure, he can visualize the anatomy of the treatment area. If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal injury or condition, there is a good chance ultrasound imaging should be a part of your diagnosis and treatment plan. Seeking out a physician with advanced proficiency in ultrasound imaging could lead to a safer, more cost-effective and more accurate treatment plan.
Visit our Musculoskeletal Ultrasound treatment page for additional information or learn more about how this imaging option benefits our patients. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hackel, call our office at 850.916.8783 or use our convenient online appointment form.
Personal injury is a legal term for any injury to the body or mind of an individual, as opposed to damage to property. Personal injury claims result from accidents that are the result of negligence or reckless conduct and are one of the most common legal complaints filed today. If you have been injured in an accident–at work, on the road, or otherwise–you should immediately seek medical treatment, even if you believe you are not injured. Some injuries can take days or weeks to manifest and can cause lifelong pain and suffering if left untreated.
While a consumer may drive out of his or her way to save a few dollars on a tank of gas, many people disregard comparison shopping for their health services: Most likely because they do not realize that they could save a substantial amount of money by shopping around.
The biggest goal of an ankle and foot center is to restore your foot health and prevent complications that could worsen the condition of your feet. Here at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we aim to analyze and solve foot issues using a multi-disciplinary medical treatment approach. The patient-focused ankle and foot team treats your condition through technology, research, science, and personalized care.