An ultrasound is a quick, comfortable, and safe test that’s crucial for many orthopedic diagnoses. All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, the leading facility of its type in the Houston, Texas, area, offers everything you need on-site, starting with diagnosis using state-of-the-art ultrasounds. Book your visit with the team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.

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Ultrasound Q & A

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What is an ultrasound used for?

An ultrasound is a method of capturing images from within your body. If you see a sports medicine or orthopedic physician for an injury or chronic pain, you’ll most likely have an ultrasound as part of the diagnostic process. 

Ultrasounds are also present in many treatments. For example, the All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute team often performs platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell, and corticosteroid injections using ultrasound guidance for ideal placement. 

How are ultrasounds and X-rays different?

Ultrasounds and X-rays are both imaging methods, but they work very differently. X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to take images of your body. They mainly show your bones, since bones absorb the most radiation. It’s difficult to see details in your soft tissues on X-rays, but that’s where ultrasounds excel. 

Ultrasounds use sound waves rather than radiation. The sound waves bounce off your body’s internal structures, creating a detailed image. 

While X-rays carry small risks associated with radiation exposure, ultrasounds have no known risks. 

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How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

In most cases, you don’t need to prepare in any particular way. For certain types of ultrasounds, mainly abdominal area ultrasounds, you might need a full bladder. 

All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute primarily performs ultrasounds to examine and treat the hips, spine, knees, shoulders, feet, arms, and other areas where musculoskeletal damage is common. 

Although not a hard-and-fast requirement, it’s best to wear loose clothing that you can easily shift to give the team direct skin access for your ultrasound. You might need to change into a hospital gown for some ultrasounds. 

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When will I know the results of my diagnostic ultrasound?

Because All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute conducts ultrasounds in the office, the medical team has immediate access to your images. That means you’ll get your results quickly, often in the same appointment. 

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If you have a complicated medical issue and the team needs extra time to study your images and compare them to past ultrasounds, you might return for another appointment to discuss your results in detail. 

An ultrasound is painless, fast, and convenient at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute. Schedule your appointment by phone or through the online booking tool.