Ultrasound is an imaging method that allows you to visualize bone contours and superficial soft tissues. The knee ultrasound allows the assessment of tendons, collateral ligaments, bursae and the vessels of the popliteal fossa. Ultrasound examination of the knee joint shows some limitations in the diagnosis of meniscus and cruciate ligament injuries. Knee magnetic resonance imaging is a test that enables a precise assessment of intra-articular structures.

Ultrasound does not require special preparation. It is a non-invasive and completely safe test, so pregnant women and young children can use it. It is worth bringing the results of other imaging tests (eg knee X-ray) and laboratory tests (blood, urine) with you for the ultrasound examination.

The doctor authorized to perform the knee ultrasound is an orthopedist or a radiologist after completing training in the ultrasound of the knee joint.

Ultrasound is used to assess superficial tissues. It is an easily available examination method and much cheaper compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but it does not allow for a complete assessment of intra-articular structures. MRI of the knee is performed when it is necessary to precisely assess damage to the articular cartilage, menisci and cruciate ligaments. MRI is the gold standard in diagnostics before a planned surgery.

In order to exclude an ankle fracture, an X-ray of the ankle joint is recommended. This is especially recommended in the case of severe pain and massive swelling and the inability to load the limb in the three-step test. Ankle ultrasound should be performed in every case of ankle sprain to assess the efficiency of the damaged ligaments and to exclude the presence of complications in the pathology of other soft tissues.

Ankle ultrasound examination is a non-invasive imaging examination using ultrasound waves. During the ultrasound examination, the radiologist or orthopedist applies a special head to the ankle, first applying a coupling gel to the skin of the examined area. All soft tissues surrounding the ankle (ligaments, muscle tendons, straps, nerves, blood vessels) are assessed. Ultrasound images also show the synovium and the contours of the anterior part of the Talus. During the so-called dynamic ultrasound examination, the doctor performs special tests to assess selected structures (e.g. the efficiency of ligaments). It may also ask you to tighten a muscle or make a specific movement with your foot.

Ultrasound of the hip shows inflammation, exudate and free bodies inside the hip joint. Ultrasound can detect damage to the tendons in the muscles surrounding the hip joint or in the groin area. Moreover, it is possible to evaluate the course of nerves supplying the lower limb in order to exclude neuropathy from compression.

In order to properly diagnose the cause of hip pain, it is often necessary to perform both tests - X-ray and ultrasound. X-ray pictures show degenerative and productive changes in the bony parts of the hip. Ultrasound makes it possible to evaluate the soft structures surrounding the joint (ligaments, tendons, muscles, bursae) and allows for their evaluation in relation to the bone contours of the joint during hip movement (the so-called dynamic ultrasound examination). In some cases, it is necessary to perform magnetic resonance imaging, which is the only one to accurately assess the damage to the cartilage of the hip joint, labrum and other structures that are poorly accessible by ultrasound.

Ultrasound of the hip joint enables imaging of hip structures thanks to the use of ultrasound waves emitted by the ultrasound head. It is a non-invasive and completely safe test - it can be repeated many times in children and pregnant women. Hip ultrasound does not require special preparation, but if you have previously taken X-rays of the hip joint, bring them to your appointment. The examination requires uncovering the groin and the side of the buttock. Depending on the range of assessed structures, the ultrasound examination of the hip lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.

Shoulder ultrasound is mainly used to assess the pathology and damage within the tendons of the muscles - most often the tendons of the supraspinatus, which is part of the so-called the rotator cuff. Thanks to the ultrasound examination of the shoulder, it is also possible to diagnose pathologies related to the remaining tendons of the shoulder muscles, features of degenerative changes, inflammation of the synovial bursa and general joint inflammation, e.g. in the course of systemic diseases such as RA.

A dynamic ultrasound examination of the shoulder allows the assessment of the mutual relationship between soft tissues (tendons, muscles, bursae) and bone elements during arm movements. The dynamic examination is most often used to determine the cause of the damage to the supraspinatus tendon. Thanks to the ultrasound, it is possible to locate the conflicting structures and to visually determine the disturbances in the biomechanics of the shoulder joint. Dynamic ultrasound helps the doctor choose the appropriate treatment method for most soft tissue pathologies.

Shoulder sonosurgery is a term used to describe percutaneous procedures performed under ultrasound guidance. Within the shoulder, ultrasound is used to monitor the position of the needle as the drug is administered to specific joint structures. Most often it is the administration of a steroid block to the changed subacial bursitis and the injection of overloaded rotator cuff tendons with plasma. Under ultrasound guidance, a percutaneous procedure is also performed to remove calcification within the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles and joint puncture, i.e. collection of synovial fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

A dynamic ultrasound examination of the shoulder allows the assessment of the mutual relationship between soft tissues (tendons, bursae) and bone elements during arm movements. The dynamic examination is most often used to determine the cause of damage to the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle running in the subacromial space. Thanks to the ultrasound, it is possible to locate the conflicting structures and to visually define the disorders of the biomechanics of the shoulder joint. Dynamic ultrasound helps the doctor choose the appropriate treatment method for most soft tissue pathologies.

The ultrasound of the elbow joint allows, first of all, to assess the bone contours and the condition of the soft tissues surrounding the elbow joint (tendons, muscles, bursae, nerves). The indication for performing a magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow (MRI) is an ambiguous ultrasound examination result or the need for a precise evaluation of cartilage and bone injuries of the elbow joint, which can only be seen on MRI scans.

Ultrasound of the elbow does not require special preparation from the patient. Ultrasound is a non-invasive and completely safe examination - pregnant women and young children can use it without restrictions. For the ultrasound examination, it is worth bringing with you previously taken X-rays of the elbow joint, which will help the doctor interpret the bone outlines visible in the ultrasound examination.

During the ultrasound examination, the doctor places a special probe dedicated to the examination of small joints and smaller anatomical structures of the body to the dorsal or palmar surface of the wrist, hand or fingers. The scope of the examination depends on the indications resulting from the clinical picture. Ultrasound examination of the hand allows for the identification of damage to muscle tendons, inflammation of the tendon sheaths and joints, as well as degenerative and productive changes. Thanks to the ultrasound examination, it is possible to assess the course of the median and radial nerves and the possible cause of compression of these nerves.

The ultrasound examination may be performed by a radiologist, orthopedist or rheumatologist with a certificate of training in ultrasound of the wrist and hand structures.

Hand ultrasound does not require any special preparation. It is worth bringing the results of other tests, e.g. X-rays of the hand, laboratory results for rheumatoid diseases or the results of nerve conduction test in case of suspected compression neuropathy.

The duration of hand ultrasound depends on the range of structures assessed. In the case of rheumatological changes, the wrist and each finger are assessed separately, which may extend the duration of one hand examination to 50 minutes. When clinical examination indicates the need for an ultrasound examination of a single structure, e.g. the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, the ultrasound usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

During the ultrasound examination, the doctor moves a head emitting ultrasound waves over the examined area. The test does not emit ionizing radiation harmful to the body, therefore it is completely safe and can be repeated freely. During the ultrasound scan, your doctor may ask you to move your limb or tighten a muscle. This enables the functional assessment of the muscle and the mutual displacement of the surrounding soft tissues.

Ultrasound examination enables the diagnosis of overload conditions, acute sports injuries and chronic diseases affecting the skeletal muscles of the body. Ultrasound also allows detecting tissue conflicts, e.g. compression of a nerve by a hematoma or inflammatory edema. In addition, thanks to ultrasound, it is possible to detect tumors of the muscle tissue, which allows for quick commissioning of additional tests differentiating benign lesions from malignant neoplastic lesions.

Breast ultrasound examination can be performed on any day of the cycle - at the Dworska Hospital in Krakow, we have equipment that enables precise assessment of changes, regardless of the day of the cycle.

Ultrasound is performed by a radiologist or gynecologist trained in breast ultrasound diagnostics.

Every woman can come to a breast ultrasound without the need for a referral. Ultrasound is an easily accessible, fast and completely safe method of imaging. Breast ultrasound can be repeated without restrictions, therefore it is the most frequently performed examination at the beginning of the diagnosis of suspicious changes. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor may order a mammogram if he deems it necessary. Mammography is more often ordered in women over 50 because it is better suited for imaging breasts with less glandular tissue.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland is a non-invasive and completely safe method of imaging. For an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, you should bring your previous ultrasound results and the results of laboratory tests indicating disorders of the thyroid gland (measurements of thyroid hormone levels) - if previously prescribed by a doctor. Besides, ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland does not require special preparation.

During an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, the radiologist places a special head emitting ultrasound waves on the front part of the neck. This test is non-invasive and may be repeated many times in children and pregnant women. Thyroid ultrasound is based on the imaging of the thyroid gland and adjacent tissues along with the lymph nodes in the neck. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland allows for an objective measurement of the volume of the thyroid gland and the identification of enlarged thyroid gland (the so-called goiter). Ultrasound also allows you to determine the location and size of any nodules on the thyroid gland. The morphological features of the nodules visualized on ultrasound along with the clinical picture may determine the need for a thyroid biopsy.

Most thyroid nodules are benign and have no negative effects on the body. However, each nodule requires careful examination to exclude the source of hormonal disorders or thyroid cancer. To do this, you should visit the thyroid gland ultrasound.

The content of the digestive tract may obscure the picture of organs, so it is advisable to refrain from eating for about 6 hours before the examination. In addition, in the period of 2 days before the examination, heavy and flatulent meals should be avoided. The day before the abdominal ultrasound examination, it is recommended to take an intestinal gas reducing agent (eg Espumisan), because their excess may also make diagnostics difficult.

1-2 hours before the abdominal ultrasound examination, drink one liter of still water (4 glasses). You should come for an ultrasound scan with a full bladder - it makes it easier for the doctor to assess the urinary system and the organs in the pelvis. It is forbidden to drink tea or coffee, so as not to stimulate the intestinal peristalsis.

Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive and completely safe method of imaging. If necessary, the ultrasound examination can be repeated any number of times. It is worth remembering that ultrasound does not detect all pathologies responsible for abdominal pain. When ultrasound is not sufficient to make a diagnosis, the doctor orders additional tests (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography).

During the ultrasound examination of the abdomen, it is not possible to assess the lumen and mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Under certain conditions, ultrasound may reveal appendicitis and the presence of large tumor masses indicating advanced stage colorectal cancer. The doctor will order a colonoscopy to evaluate the changes in the intestines more accurately.

Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped lumps that are found in various parts of the body. around the neck, over the collarbones, in the armpits, in the groin and in the abdomen. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system - the lymph flowing through the lymph nodes from the body tissues is filtered for the presence of microbes. When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes produce cells related to immune processes. Thanks to this, bacteria, viruses and fungi are rendered harmless. In the course of an infection, the lymph nodes become temporarily enlarged, which is completely normal. It is worth noting that lymphadenopathy may also be a symptom of many serious diseases, and even cancer. To assess whether the observed condition is physiological or pathological, ultrasound of the lymph nodes is performed.

Enlarged lymph nodes appear as oval lumps that can be felt by palpating the subcutaneous tissue around the neck, groin or armpits. Lymphadenopathy is observed during infection. Less frequently, it may be a symptom of a systemic disease, cancer of the lymphatic system or neoplastic metastases. The image of the structure of the lymph nodes can be visualized during ultrasound examination (USG).

Painful to the touch, soft and sliding enlarged lymph nodes are most often an expression of an infection in the body. As the inflammation is calmed down, the lymph nodes, as a rule, cease to be tender to touch and gradually shrink. The most dangerous, however, are painless, hard and compact enlarged lymph nodes, because their presence may indicate an active neoplastic process (e.g. lymphoma, leukemia or neoplastic metastasis). In the event of such changes, an urgent ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes should be made.

Superficial lymph nodes are located on the sides of the neck. When the body remains healthy, the lymph nodes are usually not felt. Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck is observed, among others, in in the course of pharyngitis (angina) or tooth decay. Palpation is used to assess the consistency of an enlarged lymph node. A physiologically enlarged lymph node (in the course of an infection) is soft, easy to move, but can be painful. The abnormal pathological enlargement of the lymph node (cancer) may be indicated by a compact, hard structure fused with the substrate, and the lymph node itself is painless. Ultrasound examination (USG) and lymph node biopsy enable a more precise assessment of the lymph nodes.

 Lymphadenopathy is not a separate disease entity. Lymphadenopathy may be a symptom of infection, systemic disease, or cancer. Treatment is always directed to the cause of lymphadenopathy.

An indication for ultrasound of the salivary glands is painful swelling of the cheek area in front of the ears or discomfort felt backwards from the chin. The complaints usually worsen when eating and talking. A common symptom indicating pathologies of the salivary glands is also an unpleasant smell from the mouth and a chronic feeling of dry mouth. In the event of the above symptoms, you should see a doctor who will determine whether an ultrasound of the salivary glands and / or an ultrasound of the neck lymph nodes is necessary.

The most frequently diagnosed disease during ultrasound examination is salivary gland inflammation. Other pathologies include: congenital defects (e.g. incomplete development of the salivary gland), changes in the salivary glands associated with systemic and metabolic diseases, and benign and malignant neoplasms of the salivary glands. Ultrasound can also be used to detect the presence of a cyst, abscess or traumatic hematoma of the salivary gland.

The doctor puts a special head on the cheek in front of the ear, which emits ultrasound waves. On the monitor screen, the doctor observes the image of the salivary glands and adjacent structures of the neck obtained thanks to the reflection of ultrasound waves from the tissues. The test is non-invasive and completely safe for the patient. During ultrasound examination, the salivary glands are assessed on both sides of the face.

The enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, which drains urine out of the bladder. Typical symptoms of prostate enlargement are: delayed and weakened stream of urine, feeling urgent to urinate, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urinating, pollakiuria. If these ailments occur, a urologist should be consulted who will perform an ultrasound of the prostate and assess the degree of possible prostatic hyperplasia.

A TRUS test is a type of ultrasound scan performed transrectally. The TRUS examination allows very accurate visualization of changes in the prostate, because the ultrasound head located in the rectum is very close to the prostate. During the examination, the patient lies on his side. The examination takes approximately 20 minutes.

A few hours before the examination, it is advisable to do an enema. This will improve the patient's own comfort and make it easier for the doctor to perform the examination.

The ultrasound examination of the testicles is performed by a doctor qualified in the field of ultrasound diagnostics of the genital organs (urologist, radiologist, surgeon).

The ultrasound does not require any special preparation. Before the ultrasound examination, the doctor palpates the scrotum. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor moves the ultrasound head over the scrotum. The monitor screen shows the image of the nuclei and adjacent structures obtained thanks to the reflection of ultrasonic waves. The examination lasts several minutes, is painless and has no negative effect on the function of the testicles.

A common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump on the testicle. Initial diagnosis is possible during the ultrasound examination of the testicles. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the level of tumor markers is determined. Abdominal ultrasound, lymph nodes ultrasound and chest tomography are also performed to visualize any metastases.

The most common indications for ultrasound examination of the kidneys and urinary tract are abdominal pain, pains radiating along the lumbar spine, abnormal urine test results, pain during urination, haematuria, blood pressure disorders.

Within two days before the date of the ultrasound, do not consume heavy or bloating products. On the day before the examination, you should take an agent that reduces gas accumulation in the digestive tract, eg Espumisan. The ultrasound should be performed on an empty stomach or not eaten for 6 hours before the examination. It is advisable that the bladder is full during the examination, therefore one liter of still water (4 glasses) should be drunk 1-2 hours before the ultrasound examination.

During the examination, the patient lies on his back; in cases of difficulties with visualizing the kidneys in other positions (on the side, back, standing). The doctor puts an ultrasound head emitting ultrasound waves to the body shells. The head is moved from the hypochondrium to the posterior region of the lower chest, to the side of the spine and along the lower abdomen. The image from inside the abdominal cavity appears on the monitor screen in real time. During the examination, the doctor may ask the patient to use the toilet and then re-evaluate the urinary tract. The ultrasound examination takes about 15-20 minutes and is completely painless and safe.

Disturbing symptoms that should be checked in ultrasound of the lungs include: chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, breathing problems, traumatic conditions of the chest and hemoptysis. Ultrasound is an easily accessible and safe examination that does not expose the patient to X-rays. Ultrasound examination can be performed in young children and in pregnant women.

Ultrasound enables the assessment of the pleura and peripheral parts of the lungs. In the range available in the examination, the doctor can detect: pleurisy and pneumonia, interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, presence of pleural adhesions, pleural empyema, lung abscess. In order to extend the diagnostics with changes located in the deeper regions of the lungs, it is recommended to take an X-ray of the lungs or computed tomography.

The patient is asked to lie down and expose the chest. The doctor covers the surface of the patient's skin with a special gel and then applies the ultrasound head. The image of the pleura and lungs in the range available in the examination is displayed on the monitor screen. The ultrasound is painless and takes about 15-20 minutes.

Ultrasound of hip joints in children is a screening test that allows you to assess whether a child's hips are developing properly. An ultrasound scan is performed on a baby between 4 and 6 weeks of age. The second control date of the study is the period of 12-14 weeks of age.

Ultrasound of hip joints in children can detect abnormalities in the structure of pathological changes in the course of diseases such as: hip dysplasia, desquamation of the femoral head, Perthes disease (sterile femoral head necrosis).

Ultrasound of hip joints does not require special preparation. The examination is completely painless and safe for the child. The doctor places the transducer around the child's hip after applying a small amount of coupling gel to obtain the best image quality. The examination takes approximately 20 minutes.

Ultrasound examination is performed in children:
prematurely born (premature babies)
with a burden in the history of the pathology of the course of pregnancy,
with perinatal hypoxia,
with recognized developmental defects,
with impaired functions of the circulatory or respiratory system,
with meningitis,
with the presence of nonspecific neurological symptoms.
Ultrasound examination is possible in newborns and infants up to about 6 months of age or until the front fontanel is atrophied.

Ultrasound examination does not require special preparation. There is also no need to put the baby to sleep. The ultrasound examination is painless and completely safe for the baby. The doctor covers the top of the baby's head with a small amount of gel. Then, he places a special ultrasound head to the area of ​​the anterior fontanel, through which the ultrasound waves have a chance to reach intracranial structures. The echo image waves are observed on the ultrasound monitor. The test usually takes about 15 minutes.

An ultrasound of the thyroid gland can detect congenital abnormalities in the position of the thyroid gland, poor development of the thyroid gland, signs of inflammation of the thyroid gland or the presence of nodules. The thyroid ultrasound complements the diagnosis of hormonal disorders in children, e.g. hypothyroidism.

The ultrasound examination is based on the emission of ultrasound waves, the operation of which is safe for the child's body. Ultrasound examination can be performed even in newborns and infants. The thyroid ultrasound can be repeated at will, which makes it possible to regularly check the condition of the child's thyroid gland.

Abdominal ultrasound examination should be performed in each case of abdominal pain symptoms reported by the child, especially if the pain is accompanied by chronic constipation, diarrhea and fever. Frequent attacks of colic occurring in newborns and infants, regardless of the type of food consumed, are a disturbing symptom. It is worth noting that some diseases, and even tumors of the abdominal cavity initially do not have to show clear symptoms. Ultrasound screening allows the early detection of these abnormalities in children, greatly increasing the chances of a successful cure.

Fasting enables a more accurate assessment of the abdominal organs (food masses do not obscure the image of internal organs). If possible, your baby should not eat for 3 hours before the ultrasound scan. A filled bladder facilitates the assessment of the pelvic organs, therefore it is recommended that the child drink 2-3 glasses of still water an hour before the examination.

The ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity of children can be performed by a radiologist or pediatrician.

Parents should not underestimate the chronic enlarged lymph nodes associated with weight loss, the presence of hard and painful lumps in the neck, or the constant enlargement of the observed lesion. In addition, frequent abdominal pain and excessive fatigue in a child may be disturbing. If you notice the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a pediatrician who will perform an examination and order an ultrasound of the lymph nodes.

An ultrasound scan can detect even minor changes in your lymph nodes, which may or may not be a serious disease. In most children, enlarged lymph nodes are associated with an infection that the child's body is fighting against. Ultrasound examination distinguishes physiological lymphadenopathy from the presence of a chronic systemic disease or neoplastic infiltration.

Ultrasound examination of lymph nodes is completely painless and safe for the child. Ultrasound is often a form of screening test that allows for early detection of pathological changes. The ultrasound examination recommended by the pediatrician should not be delayed, as this may delay the diagnosis of the disease and the implementation of appropriate treatment.

A typical symptom of salivary gland inflammation is facial swelling and pain in the area where the salivary gland is located:

on the side of the cheeks in front of the ears (parotitis)
under the mandible (submandibular salivary gland inflammation),
on the floor of the mouth (sublingual salivary gland inflammation).
Your baby may have trouble chewing and swallowing food. In order to confirm the diagnosis, an ultrasound examination of the salivary glands is performed. It is a form of diagnostic imaging that is completely safe for a child.

Ultrasound of a child's salivary glands does not require any special preparation. If you have other test results (laboratory blood or urine tests, or other imaging tests of the neck area), bring them to your appointment.

The testicular hydrocele in a newborn is most often a developmental defect, which consists in incomplete sealing of the canal through which the testicles moved from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum. As a result, fluid from the peritoneal cavity accumulates in the scrotum. In the first year of life, the testicular hydrocele should be spontaneously absorbed, otherwise surgery is performed. To be sure that the cause of the scrotal deformity is a hydrocele, see your baby's doctor for an ultrasound scan and make a diagnosis.

Under normal conditions, the testicles should descend into the scrotum around 7 months of gestation, and at the latest in the first year of life. Lack of descent of the testicles (cryptorchidism) in the 2-3 years of age is an indication for surgical treatment.

Carotid ultrasound examination is recommended in patients with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. People suffering from frequent headaches, dizziness, fainting, and especially patients with hypertension, diabetes and / or atherosclerosis should undergo it. Periodic control of the condition of the carotid arteries is indicated in people who have suffered an ischemic stroke or in the case of the so-called transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Doppler ultrasound is also used to assess the effects of treatment after surgical plaque removal.

An ultrasound scan detects abnormal blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Ultrasound shows atherosclerotic plaques that are a potential source of embolic material. Thanks to this, it is possible to diagnose an increased risk of ischemic stroke early. Ultrasound examination enables regular monitoring of the patient's condition and modification of the treatment method depending on the advancement of changes in the arteries.

Ultrasound examination of the cerebral (cervical and vertebral) arteries does not require special preparation. It is necessary to expose the neck and the area above the collarbones, so it is worth taking care of a comfortable outfit (e.g. a buttoned blouse). If the ultrasound is performed again, bring your previous test results with you.

The most common indications for venous ultrasound are persistent swelling of the lower limbs, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, pain in the calves, varicose veins. Vein ultrasound can confirm or rule out venous thrombosis. The ultrasound of the venous system is also a standard test performed before the planned surgery to remove varicose veins.

During the ultrasound examination, the patient is lying down, standing or sitting with legs lowered. The doctor covers the skin of the examined person's legs with a special gel and then places the ultrasound head on it. The image obtained thanks to the reflection of ultrasonic waves from the tissues is observed on the monitor screen. The doctor moves the probe along the course of the following veins, assessing them in very small sections (every 1 cm). Ultrasound examination includes the assessment of deep and superficial veins along the entire length of the lower limb up to the groin. Sometimes it is also necessary to examine the veins in the pelvis and abdominal cavity.

In the case of another USG examination, the results of the previously performed examinations should be brought with you - this will enable the doctor to compare the observed changes. Vein ultrasound requires exposing the lower limbs from the feet to the groin area.

The ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities is performed in the case of:

leg pain that increases with walking and decreases with rest (so-called intermittent claudication),
poor skin condition of the feet and calves, impaired wound healing,
frequent feeling of cold feet,
high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, poor blood test results (e.g. dyslipidaemia),
diagnosed atherosclerosis in a previous ultrasound examination,
post-operative checks on arteries.

The doctor covers the limb at the level of the examined section of the artery with a special gel and then applies an ultrasound head emitting ultrasound waves. The ultrasound reflects off the tissues and blood flowing in the artery, and then returns to the ultrasound head. The resulting image of the vessels is observed by the doctor on the monitor screen. The ultrasound of the arteries is completely painless and non-invasive. The duration of the examination depends on the length of the artery segment being assessed and may take up to 40-60 minutes.

Ultrasound examination detects places of narrowing and obstruction of the arteries. Accurate blood flows above the stenosis, blood flow rates at and below the stenosis are documented. It is also possible to determine the severity of atherosclerotic lesions along with an assessment of the risk of atherosclerotic plaque detachment and embolism formation. This makes it easier for the doctor to make the right decision about choosing the right treatment method.

Rezonans magnetyczny odcinka szyjnego kręgosłupa wykonuje się w przypadku, gdy konieczna jest ocena krążków międzykręgowych, rdzenia kręgowego, korzeni nerwowych oraz innych tkanek miękkich otaczających kręgosłup. Badanie MRI jest przydatne w diagnostyce rwy barkowej, wykrywania chorób obejmujących rdzeń kręgowy oraz w stanach pourazowych kręgosłupa. Aby wykonać rezonans kręgosłupa szyjnego należy posiadać skierowanie uzyskane od ortopedy, neurologa, neurochirurga lub lekarza radiologa.

Czas trwania badania MRI zależy od wskazań i rozległości ocenianych struktur. Badanie metodą rezonansu przeważnie trwa około 30-60 minut. 

Pacjent kładzie się na specjalnym stole, który następnie jest przysuwany do urządzenia rezonansu (jest to typ otwarty urządzenia). Wokół kolana zakładana jest specjalna cewka.  Badanie trwa około 20-60 min w zależności od celu diagnostycznego. Podczas badania należy przyjąć nieruchomą pozycję ciała, aby uzyskany obraz był pozbawiony zakłóceń. Pacjent przez cały czas pozostaje w kontakcie słownym z radiologiem wykonującym badanie. Analizowane obrazy rezonansu stanowią przekroje struktur kolana w dowolnie wybranej płaszczyźnie. Wyniki wydawane są w postaci opisu tekstowego oraz zdjęć zapisanych na nośniku elektronicznym.

Pacjent kładziony jest na specjalnym ruchomym stole. Kończyna górna może zostać ułożona w określony sposób i zabezpieczona przed zmianą pozycji. Dookoła barku zostają umieszczone małe cewki, które biorą udział w uzyskiwaniu wysokiej jakości obrazu. Jeśli zaplanowano badanie z podaniem kontrastu, wcześniej pielęgniarka zakłada wenflon w okolicy dłoni lub przedramienia, przez który dożylnie podawany jest środek kontrastowy. Jeśli zaplanowano artrografię, środek kontrastowy wstrzykiwany jest przez lekarza do stawu. Pacjent otrzymuje stopery lub słuchawki do uszu, ponieważ w trakcie badania będzie słyszalny hałas towarzyszący pracy urządzenia, co jest zjawiskiem normalnym. Następnie stół wsuwany jest w głąb aparatu do rezonansu.

Badanie trwa około 15-45 minut w zależności od rozległości ocenianych struktur oraz opcji rezonansu z kontrastem czy bez. Podczas badania nie wolno się poruszać, ponieważ mogłoby to spowodować zaburzenia obniżające jakość pozyskiwanego obrazu.

Rezonans magnetyczny wykorzystuje zjawisko rezonansu cząsteczek, które tworzą ciało człowieka oraz ocenę czasu ich relaksacji. Badanie MRI pozwala na uzyskanie obrazów będących przekrojami stawu skokowego i stopy w dowolnej płaszczyźnie. Pozwala to na niezwykle precyzyjną diagnostykę urazów i schorzeń w obrębie stawu skokowego. Badanie trwa około 30-60 minut, w trakcie którego pacjent leży na stole przysunietym do urządzenia rezonansu magnetycznego. Podczas badania nie wolno poruszać kończyną, ponieważ mogłoby to prowadzić do zaburzeń w odbiorze obrazu i obniżenia jakości badania. W niektórych przypadkach konieczne jest wykonanie rezonansu z podaniem środka kontrastowego, który wzmacnia sygnał odbierany z tkanek i zwiększa wyrazistość obrazu. Uczulenie na kontrast występuje rzadko, ale jeśli w trakcie badania pojawiłyby się jakiekolwiek niepokojące objawy, należy je natychmiast zgłosić personelowi pracowni.

Koszt rezonansu wynosi kilkaset złotych - z reguły jest to przedział około 300-600zł. Jeśli wykonywane jest badanie z podaniem kontrastu, cena może zwiększyć się o dodatkową kwotę około 200zł.

• podobna czułość w wizualizacji w porównaniu z konwencjonalną mielografią,
• metoda całkowicie nieinwazyjna i przyjazna dla pacjenta,
• nie ma skutków ubocznych związanych z niepożądaną reakcją na kontrast dooponowy, takich jak zapalenie pajęczynówki,
• krótki czas obrazowania,
• brak ekspozycji pacjenta na promieniowanie jonizujące.

Głównymi patologiami ośrodkowego układu nerwowego i kanału kręgowego diagnozowanymi przy wykorzystaniu mielografii MR są:

• wady wrodzone kręgosłupa,
• wady rozwojowe ośrodkowego układu nerwowego,
• przepukliny krążków międzykręgowych,
• adhezyjne zapalenie pajęczynówki,
• choroby nowotworowe i guzy rdzenia kręgowego i kanału kregowego oraz ocena stopnia złośliwości procesów nowotworowych,
• schorzenia zapalne ośrodkowego układu nerwowego: wirusowe, bakteryjne, grzybicze i pasożytnicze,
• zwężenie zwyrodnieniowe kręgosłupa (stenozy kanału kręgowego);
• anomalie i wady naczyń ośrodkowego układu nerwowego – tętniaki, kręgowe malformacje naczyniowe,
• diagnostyka zmian niedokrwiennych mózgu i rdzenia kręgowego,
• choroby demielinizacyjne, zmiany zwyrodnieniowe i degeneracyjne ośrodkowego układu nerwowego.

Obrazowanie metodą rezonansu magnetycznego jest najbardziej przydatne w diagnostyce uszkodzeń stawów stopy, neuropatii uciskowych w obrębie stopy (zespół kanału stępu, nerwiaka Mortona), urazów tkanek miękkich oraz innych patologii, które nie mogą być dostatecznie ocenione na zdjęciach RTG, podczas badania USG czy tomografii komputerowej.