Česky
What can ultrasound reveal?
Thanks to ultrasound, doctors can very accurately assess the condition of soft tissues and joints. "The examination can detect, for example, the presence of joint effusions, inflammatory processes, ruptures of tendons, ligaments or muscle fibres. We can thus quickly and accurately establish a diagnosis and at the same time suggest appropriate therapy," explains Vlasta Bernášková, MD, a physician at the Rehabilitation Centre of the Beroun Hospital.
Advantages of ultrasound: speed, accuracy and safety
Compared to other imaging methods, ultrasound has a number of advantages. "The examination is painless, non-invasive and safe for the patient. It does not use ionizing radiation, so it is not burdened with absolute contraindications," adds rehabilitation physician Adam Bouše, MD, who together with his colleague performs this method at the Rehabilitation Hospital Beroun.
Ultrasound allows both monitoring the patient's condition over time, checking the healing of tissues, and dynamic examination - i.e. observation of structures during movement, which is essential for problems with tendons or joints, for example.
Ultrasound as an aid to treatment
In the Beroun hospital, doctors also use ultrasound in so-called interventional procedures. "Under the control of ultrasound, we can, for example, safely puncture a joint and suction excess fluid, or inject medicinal substances directly into the affected area," says Dr. Bernášková. The procedure can be immediately followed up with a physical treatment such as a high-powered laser or shock wave.
