Advancements in technology over the last several decades have made many medical procedures more precise, as well as allowing doctors to improve their diagnostic capabilities. Guided ultrasound is one such technology that minimally-invasive orthopedic specialists like Dr. Trevor Turner use to treat and diagnose conditions affecting the bones and joints.
At Dr. Trevor Turner's office, we use guided ultrasound for nearly all of our procedures -- but how can ultrasound technology really benefit you as a patient? Here are some of the most important things to know about guided ultrasound, including some of the ways it can help you:
So, What is Guided Ultrasound?
In basic terms, ultrasound refers to sound waves that are above the range of human hearing. Guided ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses these sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. It is often used to guide various types of procedures, such as biopsies, injections, and other treatments.
Ultrasound waves are able to produce images of the inside of your body in real-time. This means that, during an ultrasound procedure, your doctor can get a clear and detailed look at the affected area to better understand what is going on.
Ultrasound Offers Medical Precision
One of the big advantages of guided ultrasound is that it offers a high degree of precision. This is extremely important when it comes to procedures like injections, as it helps to ensure that the treatment is targeted directly at the problem area.
It also means that there is less chance of damage to surrounding tissue, which can reduce your risk of side effects and complications.
Guided Ultrasound is Non-Invasive
One of the main benefits of guided ultrasound is that it is a completely non-invasive way to create these images. It also means that there is no radiation associated with this diagnostic test. And, it reduces the risk of infection and other complications associated with surgery.
As an added bonus, guided ultrasound is also usually a much less expensive option than other imaging methods, such as MRI or CT scans. Likewise, if these other types of imaging cause you anxiety due to spending a long amount of time in an enclosed space, ultrasound is completely open and may be the right option for you.
Should you require surgery, guided ultrasound can also be used to help your surgeon better plan the procedure in advance. This can ensure that the surgery is as minimally invasive as possible with lower risk, which can lead to a quicker and easier recovery for you.
Guided Ultrasound is Safe
Ultrasound waves are harmless and have been used for medical purposes for many years. There is no evidence that they pose any risks to you as a patient.
This means that, unlike some other imaging methods, there is no need for any type of special preparation before an ultrasound procedure. You also do not need to worry about any side effects or complications afterwards.
What Can Guided Ultrasound Be Used For?
One of the great things about guided ultrasound is that it can be used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of orthopedic conditions. At Dr. Trevor Turner's office, we use this technology to help diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles.
In the field of orthobiologics, guided ultrasound can be used to help deliver treatments directly to the affected area. This includes procedures like:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP is a concentration of platelets that can help to reduce pain and restore function. It is often used to aid in the treatment of conditions like tendinitis, arthritis, and ligament injuries.
- Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections: BMAC is a type of mesenchymal stem cell therapy that can help reduce pain and restore function. It is often used to aid in the treatment of conditions like osteoarthritis and tendon injuries.
Additionally, guided ultrasound can be used to help guide various other types of injections, including steroid injections and viscosupplementation injections.
If you are considering any type of orthopedic treatment, chances are that guided ultrasound can be used to help. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, contact Dr. Trevor Turner and his team. With years of experience providing accurate diagnoses and treatment, Dr. Turner uses the most advanced techniques and technology available – including guided ultrasound – to help his patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
To learn more about how this technology can benefit you, contact Dr. Trevor Turner's office in Peachtree City, GA. To get started on your way to living pain free, schedule your first appointment with Dr. Turner today.
