Ultrasound is an advanced imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves to create images of anatomic structures such as tendons, ligaments, joints and bones. A water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin to assist the transmission of sound waves and a hand-held probe, called a transducer, is placed over the injured area. The transducer emits sound waves and detects the rebound echoes from the tissue. Images are created from these sound waves, which are viewed on the display screen paired to the ultrasound.

These images can instantly aid a trained eye in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. For example, ultrasound is particularly good for picking up rotator cuff or other tendon tears in the office.

The standard of care in high level sports medicine is to use ultrasound guidance for needle placement, especially for procedures like deep joint injections and platelet rich plasma injections. Dr Wingfield has been using point of care ultrasound for diagnoses and therapeutic injections for over 10 years.