Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hyderabad has brought in Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound for rheumatologists for the first time in South India. Thanks to Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, patients with joint and other pain complaints can now look forward to quick efficient and cost effective diagnosis and treatment of their condition.

With the launch of MSK ultrasound technology in the state, patients will benefit from the expertise that KIMS Rheumatologists are gaining from training in musculoskeletal ultrasound. This state of the art technology involves a technique that uses sound waves to create images of painful or flamed joints and areas in the body.

With an aim to train the rheumatologists in adopting latest procedures of MSK Ultrasound, KIMS had organised a national workshop wherein doctors from across the country and aboard took part in the training programme.

MSK Ultrasound generates visible, high resolution images of the joints without the use of radiation or any discomfort caused to the patients undergoing the procedure. It uses high frequency sound waves ranging from 3 to 17 MHz to image soft tissues and bony structures in the body, for the purpose of diagnosing pathology or guiding real-time interventional procedures or treatment.

The new system provides images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissues throughout the body. Practitioners may now use ultrasound guidance to diagnose tendonosis, partial or full-thickness tendon tears, nerve entrapments, muscle stains, ligament sprains and joint effusions.

MSK Ultrasound has many significant advantages over basic radiography (x-rays), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Major advantages include, real-time high and better resolution soft tissue imaging, it is safe and comfortable for patients and can be used as many times as necessary, it is non invasive and does not involve any harmful radiation.

Moreover it can be used as an excellent alternative to MRI for severely claustrophobic patients. “Interventional procedures such as joint aspiration can be guided with Sonography. There are no known contraindications. It effectively images tendons and ligaments in patients who cannot have an MRI for a variety of reasons. It is accurate as musculoskeletal ultrasound allows detailed visualization of areas of the body, providing both physicians and patients with an optimal view of the injured body part. Patients find it very helpful to see these areas of their body and better understand their pain and the rehabilitation recommendations,” said Dr Ved Chaturvedi, an expert in MSK ultrasound at KIMS.

The new MSK ultrasound technology is dynamic with direct feedback and unlike MRI testing; ultrasound shows the musculoskeletal system in motion, allowing pain with motion to be directly evaluated. In addition, patients are able to obtain direct feedback from the physician during and after the testing.

In comparison to MRI, MSK ultrasound is much lower in cost and affordable to the common man and moreover it is easily portable within the clinic and offers a quick scan time, making it efficient to the patient and physicians.

Eminent international specialists who took part in the National workshop and gave training to Indian Rheumatologists in Muscoloskeletal ultrasound included Dr Ved Chaturvedi, Dr Gurjit Singh Kaeley, Dr Girish Gandikota, Dr Prasan Deep Rath and Dr Suresh Adimulum.