Ultrasound

For a safe, noninvasive imaging technique that can provide a detailed view of your muscles, tendons, joints, and other soft tissues, turn to Samaritan Sports Medicine in Raleigh, North Carolina, led by Benjamin Petty, MD. He uses ultrasound to help diagnose injuries, monitor healing, and guide treatments with precision. The technology provides accurate assessments without the need for radiation or more invasive procedures. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today to find out how ultrasound can support your care and recovery.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds don’t use radiation. 

At Samaritan Sports Medicine, your practitioner uses a small handheld device, called a transducer, that emits sound waves that bounce off your tissues, organs, and other structures. These echoes are then captured and converted into real-time images on a monitor, allowing Dr. Petty to see your internal anatomy.

What is the purpose of an ultrasound?

The primary purpose of an ultrasound is to evaluate the structure and function of your organs, tissues, and blood vessels. Dr. Petty uses ultrasound to examine your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints to detect injuries, inflammation, or other abnormalities. 

An ultrasound can help him diagnose conditions, such as tendon tears, ligament sprains, bursitis, or fluid buildup. It’s also frequently used to guide minimally invasive procedures like injections, biopsies, or regenerative treatments, ensuring precise placement and improving treatment outcomes.

When is an ultrasound recommended?

At Samaritan Sports Medicine, Dr. Petty recommends an ultrasound when he needs a clear, real-time view of soft tissues or internal structures. Common situations include:

• Suspected tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries
• Chronic joint pain or swelling
• Guidance for injections or procedures
• Monitoring healing progress after an injury or surgery
• Detecting fluid collections, cysts, or other abnormalities in soft tissues

Because it’s safe and noninvasive, ultrasound can be used repeatedly to track changes over time without risk to you.

What are the benefits of having an ultrasound?

Ultrasound offers several advantages over other imaging techniques. It’s safe, painless, and doesn’t expose you to radiation. It provides real-time images, allowing Dr. Petty to observe structures in motion and assess function as well as anatomy. 

Ultrasound is also cost-effective and widely accessible. In addition, when used to guide injections or minimally invasive procedures, it increases accuracy, reduces complications, and improves overall outcomes.

If you’re experiencing joint pain, tendon issues, or muscle injuries, an ultrasound can be a valuable diagnostic tool to help identify the problem and guide effective treatment. Call Samaritan Sports Medicine or schedule a consultation online today to learn more about ultrasound.