MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich.—McLaren Macomb, the 288-bed health care provider serving all of Macomb County, has expanded its diagnostic imaging services to include musculoskeletal ultrasound. The noninvasive imaging technique provides physicians with high-definition, real-time images of a patient’s musculoskeletal system without exposing them to radiation that is often associated with diagnostic imaging.
Used for the diagnosis of inflammation, degenerative and traumatic conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and cartilage, musculoskeletal ultrasound is also a viable alternative to patients unable to undergo an MRI procedure due to a metal implant.
It is also suitable for obese and claustrophobic patients who may not be able to have an MRI.
“For a range of reasons, patients might not be able to have an MRI,” said Dr. Tejas Dalal, medical director of musculoskeletal imaging at McLaren Macomb. "Dynamic imaging is a very important aspect of MSK ultrasound. It is a great diagnostic tool to evaluate tendons, ligaments and muscles around the ankle, knee, hip, hand, elbow and shoulder for acute injuries and other pathologies.”
Ultrasound can allow for real time imaging while the patient reproduces their symptoms as sometimes a patient’s symptoms are only reproduced with movement.
Additional benefits also include the ability to aid physicians as they guide therapeutic injections and aspirations of many joints, muscles, and tendons, as well as evaluating active inflammation by detecting increased blood flow in soft tissues using Doppler imaging.
Ultrasounds use sound waves originating from a handheld transducer probe, which bounces off bone and tissue to create images of those bones and surrounding tissue. This also allows physicians to maneuver the probe to gain multiple views and angles of internal areas being imaged.
This technique also saves the patient from the use of contrast dye often used in imaging procedures and have the potential for side effects.
Learn more about diagnostic imaging capabilities and locations at mclaren.org/macombimaging. To make an appointment for musculoskeletal ultrasound or any imaging test, call (586) 493-8187.
About McLaren Macomb
McLaren Macomb is a 288-bed acute care hospital located in Mount Clemens, Mich. More than 400 physicians and nearly 2,000 employees work at McLaren Macomb making it one of Macomb County’s top employers. McLaren Macomb provides a full range of services, including cancer and cardiovascular care. As Macomb County’s first verified trauma center, the hospital operates the busiest emergency department in Macomb County and is also an accredited chest pain center. McLaren Macomb has a rich history of providing high quality, compassionate health care and holds a strong position in the community it serves. To learn more, visit mclaren.org/macomb or follow our blog mclaren.org/macombblog.
About McLaren Health Care
McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is a fully integrated health network committed to quality, evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 490-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 620,000 lives in Michigan and Indiana, home health and hospice providers, retail medical equipment showrooms, pharmacy services, and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. McLaren has 26,000 employees and more than 85,500 network providers. Its operations are housed in more than 350 facilities serving Michigan and Indiana.