Knee Ultrasound
Detecting early knee changes that X-rays cannot show
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the knee.
X-ray is the essential basic exam for the knee, capturing changes in the bone. Ultrasound can also show soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, joint fluid, and meniscus, as well as cartilage changes in the areas it can visualize.
It uses no radiation, so it is gentle on the body, painless, and takes just a few minutes.
The biggest advantage is that the knee can be observed in real time while it moves.
However, ultrasound does not replace X-ray or MRI. X-ray shows the degree of deformity and MRI shows the inside of the meniscus and ligaments, so we combine the exams as needed to reach a diagnosis.
Can catch early bone changes that X-rays miss
Can check whether the meniscus is bulging out of the joint. MRI remains the standard for assessing tears inside it
Can accurately determine whether there is fluid in the knee and how much
Color Doppler visualizes increased blood flow at inflamed areas
Ultrasound makes it easier to pick up early knee changes that are hard to see on X-ray, and it helps improve injection accuracy. With no radiation exposure, it is an exam that can be repeated. If you have knee pain or discomfort, we recommend an ultrasound check.