Sonography - Procedure and Its Uses in Medical Field

What is sonography? 

Sonography is a diagnostic procedure in the various medical fields which uses sound waves at high frequency (ultrasound) to visualize the images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the human body. This type of procedure is called a sonogram or ultrasound exam.

How to get an organ image in sonography?  

The sonography is operated by a Sonographer who is a highly skilled professional who places a small device called a transducer over the skin area of the body which is to be imaged. The transducer works like a microphone or loudspeaker because it can transmit and receive sound. It sends sound waves in high frequency to the body, then monitors or detects the sound waves bounce from the internal structures. Different structures in the body reflect different sound waves. The reflected sound waves are detected or analyzed by a computer to make an image of the structure on a monitor and later it can be recorded on hard copy images. The recorded images are sent to specialists for better diagnostic purposes.

Why it's done 

Ultrasound is used for various medical reasons includes -

• Mainly during pregnancy helps to monitor the developing baby's health
• Examine a breast mass or lumps
• Check the thyroid gland abnormality
• Detect genital and prostate changes
• Diagnose the gallbladder disease
• Examine the blood flow
• Guide the needle for biopsy and helps in cancer treatment
• Evaluate joint inflammation (synovitis) and bone disease

Uses of sonography in the various medical field 

Gynecology tool

Gynecology can use ultrasound to detect various gynecological conditions. In pelvic pain emergencies, ultrasound may be used to find conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, abscesses, pelvic masses, internal bleeding, and endometriosis. 

Ultrasound can also help to diagnose infertility issues. 

Pregnancy imager

Ultrasound can be helpful in high-risk pregnancies. Doctors can predict premature delivery by examining the cervix size. They can also monitor for fallopian tube patency and ectopic pregnancies

Fetal Imaging tool

A complete fetal examination includes the baby's head, heart, umbilical cord, bladder, kidneys, spine, stomach, and placenta to determine if any abnormalities present. The same fetal exam can also be used to check the baby's position.

Breast Imaging tool

As an adjunct to mammography, ultrasound can apply for breast imaging application to detect dense breasts, breast implants, cysts, or tumors in the breast and lumps in the breast.

Musculoskeletal detector

Ultrasound can be used to detect or evaluate soft-tissue injuries such as nerve damage, ganglions, or other muscle injuries and sports-related injuries such as strained ligaments in the knee. Using ultrasound, doctors can image the internal structures of nerves if they're trapped or swollen and causing carpal tunnel syndrome. Muscle injuries to the ankle, elbow, knee, and hip can also be detected with the help of a sonogram.

Heart Disease monitor 

By using ultrasound, a doctor can detect heart muscle damage, congenital defects, and abnormalities. Coronary artery disease can be detected by using a sonogram which helps in early detection of a heart condition and saves the patients from life-threatening conditions. 

Prostate Cancer detector

Helps to detect prostate gland abnormalities in men and helps to find out the presence of any cancer mass in the prostate.