What should you know about handheld point-of-care ultrasound?

A clinician places gel on the skin and moves a small probe over the area of concern. Sound waves create moving images, allowing assessment of structures such as tendons, muscle, superficial nerves, joint lining and fluid. The examination can compare sides and follow a structure while you move.

It is an extension of the physical examination, not a complete scan of every body structure. Bone surfaces can be seen, but the inside of bone and some deeper areas may require another imaging test. The clinician may combine the findings with your history, movement tests and, when appropriate, formal radiology.

Wear clothing that allows access to the painful or swollen area. Tell the clinician about skin irritation, open wounds, recent procedures and medicines that affect bleeding. The scan is generally performed while you sit or lie in a comfortable position; you may be asked to move the joint so the tissue can be observed under load. Ask what was seen and how it changes your treatment plan.

Ultrasound does not replace urgent care. Seek prompt assessment for a severely injured or deformed limb, sudden loss of strength or sensation, a cold or discoloured hand or foot, rapidly spreading redness, or fever with a hot swollen joint. If symptoms continue despite an initial assessment, ask whether further imaging or specialist review is needed.

What structure are you assessing, and can movement change what you see? Is handheld scanning enough for my concern? Could another imaging test add useful information? How will the result affect treatment?