Radiology

Services

Ultrasound Imaging Provides Real-Time Evaluations to Help Detect, Diagnose and Monitor Many Conditions

Ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive procedure that can help detect, diagnose or monitor many conditions. Using high-frequency sound waves, it is used to examine many parts of the body—such as organs and blood vessels in the abdomen, the heart, joints and unborn babies. Ultrasound imaging—also called ultrasound scanning or sonography—provides real-time pictures of the body, as well as the evaluation of the movement of structures, such as a beating heart or blood flow.

Speciality Services / Procedures

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Gynecologic / pelvic ultrasound
• First trimester OB ultrasound 
• Orthopedic / Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Scrotal ultrasound
• Thyroid ultrasound
• Deep vein thrombosis ultrasound

There are many reasons for examining the musculoskeletal system with ultrasound. Among the more common reasons:

• Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff tears, tendinitis and bursitis
• Elbow pain including tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, biceps tears, ligament tears and joint fluid
• Wrist and hand pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts and tendinitis
• Hip and knee pain, including muscle and tendon tears, tendinitis and knee fluid
• Foot and ankle pain, including Achilles tendon problems, other ankle tendon problems, sprains, plantar fasciitis and Morton's neuroma
• Treatment of joint pain with steroid injections in shoulder, hip, knee or ankles
• Treatment of Achilles tendon pain, shoulder calcific tendonitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis
• Diagnose and treat sports related injuries including joint, muscle, ligament and tendon tears and sprains.

Safety

Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (as used in x-rays).  Because ultrasound images are captured in "real-time" they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

What to Expect BEFORE my Exam

• Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration and preparation.
• Please wear comfortable clothing.  
• Our interpreter services, with over 60 different languages available, can be scheduled with your exam.
• If you are having an Abdominal Ultrasound please do not eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours before your exam. 
• Medications may be taken with water.
• If you are having a Pelvic Ultrasound, you are not required to drink water.

What to Expect DURING my Exam

Upon your arrival you will be greeted by the Ultrasound Technologist. You will be brought into the Ultrasound room where you may be asked to change into a gown. You will be asked a series of questions about your symptoms in order to optimize your Ultrasound exam. You will then lie down on a stretcher and Ultrasound gel will be applied to the area of interest. The Ultrasound instrument or Transducer will be moved over your skin while the Ultrasound technologist takes pictures. You may be asked to hold your breath or to turn on your side during the exam. The average Ultrasound exam takes about 30 - 45 minutes. You should expect to be in our department for about 1 hour.

What to Expect AFTER my Exam

You have no restrictions after having your Ultrasound and can go about your normal daily activities. 

When Can I Expect my Results?

Once the radiologist reads your images, your ordering physician will receive your results typically within 24 to 48 hours. Your physician will go over the findings with you.

Recommendations and Reminders

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration and preparation.
• Please wear comfortable clothing.
• Please do not bring unattended children with you; by policy, we are unable to watch them for you.
• Guests are not permitted in the exam room during your Ultrasound.
• Our interpreter services, with over 60 different languages available, can be scheduled with your exam.
• If you are having an Abdominal Ultrasound please do not eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours before your exam.
• Medications may be taken with water.
• If you are having a Pelvic Ultrasound, you are not required to drink water.

To obtain copies of your images, please call the film library at 617-414-5882.

For specific information regarding our Ultrasound department, please contact:

Carol Morrissey-Downing, RDMS
Manager of Ultrasound
Carol.Morrissey-Downing@bmc.org
617-638-6593

Alda Cossi, MD
Section Chief of Ultrasound
Alda.Cossi@bmc.org
617-638-6062