MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND SCANS

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 1st April 2025 there is a $50.00 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 $70 charge. If you think a steroid injection might be beneficial to the ongoing treatment of your injury/pain, please discuss this with your health professional. A referral form is required 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

Steroid Injection Patient Information Sheet

PLATELET RICH PLASMA TREATMENT (PRP)

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a treatment designed to speed up the body’s natural healing process for chronic tendon pain, muscle and tendon injuries, and osteoarthritis.

You could consider PRP treatment if you have been diagnosed with, Tennis or Golfers Elbow, Knee Tendinosis, Rotator Cuff Tears, Achilles Tendinosis, Plantar Fasciitis, Osteoarthritis

PRP treatment may also be used as a way to delay or avoid surgery, allowing for more conservative management of certain conditions.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRP?

PRP contains growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, regeneration, and collagen production. It can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, promote faster healing for soft tissue injuries and may provide long-lasting benefits, especially when combined with rehabilitation or physical therapy.

Since PRP uses your own blood, there’s a very low risk of allergic reactions or rejection. It harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to promote recovery.

While PRP offers many potential benefits, it’s important to remember that not all patients will respond the same way, and results can vary based on the condition, severity, and individual healing response.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE PRP TREATMENT?

Prior imaging in the form of MRI or Ultrasound is required to ensure proper diagnosis. A consultation with the treating doctor will be scheduled to determine whether PRP is a suitable treatment option for you. A GP referral for PRP treatment is not required.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR PRP TREATMENT?

PRP therapy procedure usually takes around an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis. Do not take anti-inflammatories one week before or after the injection as this may reduce treatment benefits. Depending on your condition, between one to three sessions may be required.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Although uncommon, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential side effects and risks. Most are very rare when using proper techniques and ultrasound guidance. Here are the most common and some rarer side effects associated with PRP:

• Pain
• Infection
• Nerve injury
• No relief or worsening of symptoms
• Tissue damage
• Blood clotting at the injection site
• Allergic reaction to the anticoagulant used during the blood processing (citrate dextrose)

After the procedure, if you experience any of the above side effects, please contact your doctor.

HOW DOES THE PRP PROCEDURE WORK?

The procedure is a relatively simple, minimally invasive process that typically involves three main steps: Blood Collection, Centrifugation and Injection

STEP 1: A small amount of blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.

STEP 2: The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood at a high speed. This process separates the different components of the blood based on their density. The goal is to concentrate the platelets (which contain growth factors) and plasma. After the spinning process, the plasma with a high concentration of platelets is separated from the red blood cells and white blood cells. The resulting PRP is a yellowish fluid that contains several times the normal amount of platelets found in blood.

STEP 3: Using ultrasound to ensure precise needle placement, the concentrated PRP is then injected into the area. Depending on the condition, local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area.

The platelets release substances known as ‘growth factors’ that lead to tissue healing. For example, when you cut yourself, the body’s natural response is to attract platelets the release growth factors and facilitate healing. By concentrating the platelets, we increase the release of growth factors, which promotes the healing of tendons and cartilage.

HOW SOON CAN I GO BACK TO REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?

This treatment is not considered a ‘quick fix’ and is designed to promote long term healing. The healing process of PRP therapy requires time and rehabilitation, patients who follow a rehab course of physical therapy are likely to see the most improvement in the affected area.

HOW DO I CARE FOR THE INJECTION SITE AFTER TREATMENT?

Initially, the procedure may cause some localised soreness and discomfort. You can take simple pain relief if required. You may wish to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.

PRP Therapy is currently not a funded treatment by ACC, and is only available privately at this stage.