Diagnostic Ultrasound
Your rheumatologist does the imaging. You get the answers immediately.
No referral to a separate imaging center. No waiting days for a radiologist's report. Dr. Fellows performs musculoskeletal ultrasound in-office using the Mindray MX7 — and walks you through the findings during the same visit.
RhMSUS Certification
Dr. Fellows holds the Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RhMSUS) certification from the American College of Rheumatology — a credential demonstrating specialized training in ultrasound imaging of joints, tendons, and soft tissue for rheumatologic diagnosis and procedures. This isn't general radiology; it's ultrasound performed by a rheumatologist who understands what he's looking for and why it matters to your treatment.
Diagnostic imaging and procedural guidance
We use ultrasound for two purposes: figuring out what's wrong, and making sure injections go exactly where they need to.
Diagnostic ultrasound
Ultrasound can detect joint inflammation, synovitis, tendon damage, and fluid collections that may not be visible on X-ray or apparent on physical exam. We use it to help diagnose and monitor:
- Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis)
- Gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition (pseudogout)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendon tears and tendinopathy
- Bursitis and soft tissue masses
Diagnostic scans may happen during your initial evaluation, as a dedicated imaging appointment, or as a quick check during routine follow-up visits.
Ultrasound-guided injections
For joint and soft tissue injections, ultrasound guidance improves accuracy — you can see the needle entering the target in real time. This is especially valuable for anatomically challenging areas:
- Hips — deep joint requiring precise needle placement
- Thumb base (CMC joint) — small, complex anatomy
- Shoulders and knees — improved accuracy over landmark-based injection
- Small joints and tendons — wrists, ankles, fingers
We inject corticosteroids into any peripheral joint (not spine or neck), and offer hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis.
Same-visit answers
When your rheumatologist performs the ultrasound, you're not waiting for a report to come back from radiology. You see the images together. You can point to the area that's been bothering you, and Dr. Fellows can scan it on the spot.
If the scan reveals something that changes your treatment plan — active inflammation, a tear, fluid in a joint — you discuss it immediately. No second appointment to "go over the results."
Immediate results
No waiting days for a radiology report
Interactive exam
Point to the problem, get it scanned
No referral needed
Imaging happens in your rheumatology visit
All insurances accepted
Covered as part of your office visit
Questions about diagnostic ultrasound?
If you're wondering whether ultrasound could help clarify your diagnosis or improve an upcoming injection, let us know when you schedule.