Top Uses of MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, and Knee (AANA19)-Questions and Answers_ Top Uses of MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, and Knee-Dr. Don A. Buford, M.D.

Questions and Answers_ Top Uses of MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, and Knee-Dr. Don A. Buford, M.D.

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The discussion focuses on the use of ultrasound in assessing and managing rotator cuff repairs, emphasizing the healing timeline and practical clinical application. Early post-operative ultrasounds (before six weeks) are of limited value due to inflammation and fluid obscuring the repair. At six weeks, the tendon appears thicker but still hypo-echoic; normal tendon footprint is typically restored by around 20 weeks. Ultrasound is favored over MRI post-surgery due to lack of metal artifact interference and utility in guiding treatment decisions. The speaker commonly performs ultrasounds at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, with additional scans if complications arise or patients require clearance for high-demand activities. For diagnostics, ultrasound often suffices without MRI unless muscle atrophy or complex pathology is suspected. The conversation also covers practical aspects such as ultrasound billing, certification, procedure volumes, and advantages for real-time guided injections, portraying ultrasound as a cost-effective, efficient tool integrated into clinical orthopedics.

Asset Caption

Instructional Course Lecture: Top Uses of MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, and Knee

Keywords

ultrasound

rotator cuff repair

healing timeline

post-operative assessment

clinical application

real-time guided injections