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Indications, contraindications, preparation and diagnostic value of ultrasound spine

ultrasound of the spine is designed for a detailed study of the current state of the patient and the prognosis. Modern medicine is constantly evolving and the number of methods grows. Among the major include: x-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography, neurological examination and MRI.

to consult a doctor for an ultrasound of the spineEach method has a number of particular advantages which you should use in different cases. The most informative method of diagnosis is magnetic resonance imaging. One of the most popular, safe and available to everyone is considered to be ultrasound of the spine.

What's best: ultrasound or MRI of the spine? What can distinguish features? When is the best time to do ultrasound? The answers to these questions can be found below.

General information about ultrasound

several years ago ultrasound was possible only in the study of internal organs. Typically, ultrasonic waves can carry different fluids inside the body. New techniques allowed to investigate the condition of the bone tissue of the lumbosacral spine, and possible pathologies that could cause a violation of the General state of health. Ultrasound of the lumbar spine is already in use everywhere.

Every method of research has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the main advantages:

  1. Eliminates the possibility of radiation damage in contrast to the ionizing radiation of x-rays. It can be suitable for all, including pregnant women and infants.
  2. the Procedure can be carried out quite often: to determine the primary diagnosis, for controlling the results, to adjust the treatment, during the manual operation.
  3. the procedure Performed does not affect the health of the patient. He feels well and can talk with the doctor.

Portable ultrasound machineultrasonography of the lumbosacral spine is non-traumatic. It is advantageously carried out in cases where severe pain block the possibility of other types of diagnostics. In addition, the study of the lumbar spine is low cost when compared with MRI.

The main advantage is considered a high degree of informativeness. In the study, one can often see post-Natal trauma, age-related changes in bones, deformity of bone, cartilage, etc.

After spinal surgery demonstrates the use of ultrasonic examination. It helps doctors to analyze the recovery period, and to detect developing tumors during the therapy.

When using this method of diagnosis?

The Doctor may prescribe a study on one of the main reasons is due to a strong pain that occurs in different places. In some cases, the primary symptoms demonstrates the problems with the spinal column, among them are:

  • strong pain in the temporal, occipital part of head;
  • vertigo and fainting
  • sharp jumps in blood pressure is up and down;
  • pain not only in back but also in neighboring parts of the body;
  • pronounced curvature posture
  • pain during motion;
  • sudden mood change;
  • worsening of visual acuity, memory and hearing.

the Study is indicated for those patients who have been diagnosed with the presence of intervertebral hernias and protrusions at different stages of development. In addition, the procedure would be appropriate in the case where there is a need for investigation of osteoarthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis and a variety of neoplasms.

the preparation of the study and expected results

Traditional research is conducted in the cervical, lumbar and lumbosacral.

Presented region can be accessed during the ultrasound. Thoracic spine can be studied only in infants, for adults are given this option.

In the course of studying the spinal division you can see the various abnormalities that could cause misalignment of the cervical vertebrae, discs protrusions. In addition, the ultrasound shows the status of the individual vertebral discs, which over time can wear out. This procedure can be indispensable for small children, because it allows you to determine the underlying causes of torticollis – a condition in which there is deformity of the neck.

Minimal training may be required during ultrasonography of the lumbar spine. A few days before the study should be completely excluded from the diet of black bread, dairy products, legumes, raw fruits and vegetables. The sensor used in the study, will be mounted on the front of the peritoneum. The procedure is carried out early in the morning, and it is best not to eat for 8 – 10 hours before.

If you had pains in the spine, it is urgent to seek help from a doctor. With prompt diagnosis, you can count onquick treatment and recovery. We must remember that self-diagnosis can only aggravate the current condition and cause a number of irreversible consequences. Their own health requires a lot of attention.

Literature:

1. Radiology: a Textbook Vol. 1. / ed. by G. E. Trufanova – M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2009. P. 39-40. ISBN 978-5-9704-1105-6