Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical exam that assists Dr. Blake and Dr. Marcus diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. It is a safe and painless exam that uses no radiation, unlike x-rays. It produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging is also called sonography and is delivered by using a small probe called a transducer and gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves travel from the probe through the gel into the body.  Because ultrasound captures images in real time, it can show the structure and movement of the body's internal muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.  

An orthopaedic surgeon's guide to ultrasound imaging of the healthy,  pathological and postoperative shoulder - ScienceDirect


Dr. Blake has been practicing diagnostic and interventional MSK ultrasound for over a decade and has taught leading MSK physicians around the country.  He is one of the first in the country to be board certified in MSK ultrasound by the Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement and holds an RMSK credential. Dr. Blake is able to diagnose a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions allowing for faster and more accurate treatments within our office. 

MSK Ultrasound is typically used to help diagnose:

- muscle tears, masses, or fluid collections
- ligament sprains or tears
- inflammation or fluid (effusions) within the bursae and joints
tendon tears or tendinopathy 
- early changes of rheumatoid arthritis
- nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- benign and malignant soft tissue tumors
- ganglion cysts
- foreign bodies in the soft tissues (such as splinters or glass)