Ultra Sound (USG): Ultrasound knee joint/leg

Specimen Required

NONE

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

An ultrasound of the knee joint/leg may be done to help diagnose the cause of pain, swelling, or stiffness in the knee, to assess for injuries or damage to the soft tissues or bones, to evaluate for joint disorders like arthritis, or to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

When this test is required

This test may be requested by a doctor if someone is experiencing knee pain, swelling, or stiffness that has not improved with rest or other conservative treatments, or if they have had an injury to the knee.

What the Test Detects

During an ultrasound of the knee joint/leg, high-frequency sound waves are used to create images of the structures within and around the knee joint, including the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. These images can help detect abnormalities such as inflammation, fluid accumulation, or tears in the soft tissues.

Preparation for the Test

Typically, no special preparation is needed for an ultrasound of the knee joint/leg. The patient may be asked to wear loose-fitting clothing that allows access to the knee area, and to avoid applying any lotions or creams to the knee on the day of the test.

Sample Requirements

No sample is required for this ultrasound.

Additional Notes

Ultrasound of the knee joint/leg is a non-invasive, safe, and painless procedure that does not use ionizing radiation. However, it may not be able to provide as much detail as other imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan in some cases. The interpretation of the ultrasound images requires a skilled and experienced radiologist or sonographer.

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