MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND SCANS AND INJURY TREATMENT
MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND SCANS
EchoNorth offer a full range of musculoskeletal ultrasound services including hernia and foreign body scans.
Most commonly, these scans will be required at the result of an injury, in which case ACC will cover the cost of your scan. As of 13th November 2023 there is a $40.00 surcharge on all ACC scans.
Musculoskeletal scans take approximately 30-40 minutes and the results can be made available to your health professional shortly after the conclusion of the scan.
WILL THE SCAN HURT?
When scanning on the site of an injury, pressure from the ultrasound probe may feel uncomfortable for you. Unfortunately to accurately assess the internal injury, this is a necessary part of the scan. Please be assured that your sonographer will do her very best to ensure you are as comfortable as possible throughout your scan.
CAN AN ULTRASOUND SEE INJURIES TO BONES?
Ultrasound is not a good diagnostic tool for fractures – these are best seen on an x-ray. Commonly your health professional will ask for both an x-ray and ultrasound to be performed to get a comprehensive look at what is happening at the site of your injury.
INJURY TREATMENT
ULTRASOUND GUIDED STEROID INJECTIONS
EchoNorth currently run clinics administering Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections to those patients who have been recommended this treatment by their health professional. Our radiologist in conjunction with a sonographer, perform this procedure at EchoNorth.
Steroid injections are also known as cortisone injections, Kenacort injections and corticosteroid injections. They are used to treat painful conditions of the joints and soft tissues, such as bursitis, tennis elbow, inflammation caused by arthritis, and some nerve problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Steroid injections provide prolonged relief of inflammatory pain particularly when used with the guidance of your healthcare provider/treatment provider.
Steroid injections are generally very safe and well tolerated. They are safe to administer in the second half of pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.
Ultrasound Guided Steroid injections can be funded by with Southern Cross Health Insurance, ACC, or paid for privately. Please note that all steroid injections covered by ACC have a $60 surcharge. If you think a steroid injection might be beneficial to the ongoing treatment of your injury/pain, please discuss this with your health professional. EchoNorth require a referral form for this procedure.
If you have any queries regarding our next steroid clinics please ring or email us as the dates are currently fluctuating.
Please click on the link below to open a downloadable and printable patient information sheet on Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections
