When is a soft tissue ultrasound needed?

A soft tissue ultrasound is most often recommended when you notice something unusual, such as a lump, firm area, or swelling; pain in a muscle, tendon, or where a ligament attaches; or the effects of an injury, including a sprain, bruise, or hematoma.

It can also help evaluate a scar that is slow to heal, a lump near a surgical site, an enlarged lymph node, restricted movement, or a clicking or crackling sensation in a tendon.

The examination is particularly useful for athletes and physically active people because it can detect small tears, tendon inflammation, and early changes that cannot be seen on an X-ray.

Why is it performed?

A soft tissue ultrasound helps answer two key questions: what is causing the problem, and does it require further attention?

It can distinguish a fluid-filled cyst from a solid lump, identify inflammation or fluid accumulation, assess whether ligaments and tendons are intact, and determine whether additional tests, such as an MRI or needle biopsy, may be needed.

It can also be used to monitor how a lump or other abnormality changes over time.

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