Spine USI
Up-to-date methods for USI diagnostics of spine diseases refer to the most rapidly developing fields. Spine USI is the simplest, most accessible and safest method of investigation as compared to other diagnostic methods. In contrast to X-ray methods (X-ray, computer tomography), it does not entail any radiation exposure, therefore spine USI may be conducted even in children and pregnant women. During spine USI, interactive exchange with a patient and functional tests may be carried out. It should be noted that the cost of cervical or lumbar spine USI for a patient is several-fold lower than the magnetic resonance tomography.
Spine USI allows for good visualization of soft and cartilaginous tissues, and it partially visualizes bone tissues of the spine. The structures of the central canal of spinal cord, diameter of vessels and blood flow velocity are good visualized. Cervical and lumbar spine may be investigated.
The indications for spine USI are such diseases as scoliosis, osteochondrosis, vertebral artery syndrome, herniated disk, intervertebral disc protrusion, spondylarthrosis, stenosing diseases of the central canal of spinal cord.
Symptoms requiring ultrasound investigation of cervical spine:
- headaches, dizziness, buzzing in ears;
- restricted movement of neck and shoulders;
- pain in neck, creeping or rubbery sensations;
- pain in arms, numb feeling, tingle;
- cervical myalgia;
- faintness after head turns;
- heart pain.
Symptoms requiring ultrasound investigation of lumbosacral spine:
- dull and aching pain in lumbar spine which sometimes is felt in a leg;
- pain in leg which grows with an attempt to lift a weight;
- lumbar myalgia;
- spine muscle tension; numb feeling in legs;
- impaired sensitivity in buttocks, thighs, shins, feet;
- tingle in legs;
- digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea);
- pelvic disorders.