Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Is Essential Accurate Effective Regenerative Orthopedics

Interview with Dr. Kevin O’Donnell | Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics

How does musculoskeletal ultrasound play a role in regenerative orthopedic treatments such as PRP or stem cell therapies?

A lot of providers still perform injections the way I was taught in medical school back in 1997—using palpation or landmark-guided techniques. However, study after study has shown that these methods are not always accurate. Practitioners often overestimate their ability to reach the intended structure. I’ve been personally humbled by situations where I started an injection and then checked with ultrasound, only to see the needle wasn’t where I thought it was.

Ultrasound guidance has been proven to improve injection accuracy, leading to better outcomes and fewer complications. For example, when treating knee arthritis, a traditional landmark-guided injection might miss the joint about 30% of the time. If a patient doesn’t respond to the injection, you might conclude they need a knee replacement, but how can you be sure the medication was delivered correctly?

Ultrasound eliminates that uncertainty. I know with near 100% confidence that when I inject into a knee joint, the medication is precisely where it should be. Even experienced orthopedic surgeons can be surprised by how much ultrasound improves accuracy. I compare it to driving at night with your headlights on—you can see exactly where you're going.

Beyond injections, I use musculoskeletal ultrasound daily for diagnostics. It allows me to identify tears, arthritis, and fluid buildup. Honestly, I don’t think I could provide the same level of orthopedic care without it, though unfortunately, this perspective isn’t universally shared in the field.

What are the typical steps involved in an ultrasound examination? What should patients expect during the procedure?

There are two main types of ultrasound procedures: diagnostic exams and guided injections.

For diagnostic ultrasounds, I apply gel to the skin and move the probe around to examine the area. Depending on the issue, patients may need to change positions, like turning over or angling a leg, but the process is generally passive and non-invasive.

For ultrasound-guided injections, patient comfort is my top priority. Ultrasound helps avoid multiple pokes and needle adjustments because I can see exactly where the needle needs to go. First, I locate the target area using ultrasound. Then, I numb the skin and the pathway to the joint, making the procedure almost painless.

How does ultrasound play a role in aftercare and monitoring progress?

Ultrasound can provide immediate feedback in certain situations. For example, if someone has fluid in their knee, I can drain it and check back in six weeks to see if the fluid has returned. However, with soft tissue injuries, the healing process often isn’t visible on ultrasound for several months or even years, even if the patient feels much better.

Early in my career, I frequently performed follow-up ultrasounds after treatments, expecting the imaging to show improvement. But I found that even when patients were doing great, the tissue might still look the same on ultrasound. Conversely, some patients still felt pain even when their tissue looked better. Now, I reserve follow-up imaging for specific cases where it provides meaningful clinical insight.

What are some recent advancements in ultrasound technology that patients should know about?

Ultrasound technology has improved dramatically over the years. Modern machines offer incredible clarity, allowing us to see even small structures like nerves and blood vessels. I recently upgraded to a new ultrasound system, and the improvement over my previous machine from seven years ago is remarkable.

These advancements enhance both diagnosis and treatment. I can detect pathologies more accurately, guide needles more precisely, and avoid critical structures—all of which result in safer and more effective care. It’s a win for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways About Musculoskeletal Ultrasounds:

• Enhanced Accuracy: Ultrasound guidance significantly improves the precision of injections and diagnoses, ensuring treatments target the correct area and reducing the risk of complications.
• Improved Patient Comfort: By allowing real-time visualization, ultrasound minimizes the need for multiple needle pokes and provides a nearly painless experience for patients.
• Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities: Modern ultrasound technology enables detailed imaging of soft tissues, helping to identify conditions like tears, arthritis, and fluid buildup with unparalleled clarity.

Ready to be revitalized?

Experience the power of advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound in regenerative orthopedics. Dr. O’Donnell and his team are dedicated to providing precise, personalized care that targets the root of your pain. Book an assessment today and take the first step toward lasting relief and restored mobility.