Medically reviewed by Fairbanks Ultrasound Team | Last updated August 2026
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create real-time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues. Fairbanks Ultrasound offers musculoskeletal ultrasound using modern equipment and an experienced ultrasound team.
MSK ultrasound can help healthcare providers evaluate soft-tissue conditions and monitor injuries. Unlike an imaging method that captures only a static position, ultrasound can show structures in real time, which can be useful when movement is part of the clinical question.
Shoulder. Ultrasound can evaluate superficial shoulder soft tissues such as tendons and bursae and can be useful for dynamic assessment when movement is clinically relevant.
Elbow, Wrist & Hand. Ultrasound can evaluate superficial tendons, soft tissues, and other structures that may contribute to pain or repetitive-use injuries.
Hip & Knee. Ultrasound can evaluate superficial tendons, bursae, fluid collections, and other soft-tissue structures around the hip and knee.
Ankle & Foot. Ultrasound can evaluate superficial tendons, ligaments, fascia, and other soft tissues around the ankle and foot.
Muscle Injuries. Ultrasound can help visualize muscle and soft-tissue injuries and can be used for follow-up assessment when clinically appropriate.
One advantage of musculoskeletal ultrasound is the ability to observe soft tissues in real time. A sonographer can evaluate a structure at rest and, when appropriate, during movement. This can provide information that is useful for conditions in which motion or the relationship between structures matters clinically.
Ultrasound and MRI are complementary imaging tools rather than direct substitutes. Ultrasound is particularly useful for superficial soft tissues and dynamic assessment, while MRI can provide detailed images of deeper structures and is often preferred for certain internal joint problems. The right examination depends on the clinical question, the body part being evaluated, and the recommendation of the referring provider.
Patients may be referred for MSK ultrasound when a healthcare provider needs additional information about a muscle, tendon, ligament, joint, or other soft-tissue concern. If you are unsure whether ultrasound is appropriate for your condition, discuss the imaging choice with your healthcare provider.
MSK ultrasound is performed by placing gel on the skin and moving a handheld transducer over the area being examined. The sonographer creates real-time images of the underlying structures. Depending on the clinical question, the examination may include movement of the affected area.
The current public MSK service page does not publish a standard examination duration or a universal preparation requirement. Patients should contact the clinic if they need instructions for a particular study.
Fairbanks Ultrasound publishes general information about self-pay and diagnostic ultrasound pricing, but the public pages reviewed do not publish a verified MSK-specific price. Pricing can vary according to the examination. Patients should contact Fairbanks Ultrasound for the current price of the specific study they have been asked to schedule.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound can evaluate superficial shoulder structures, including rotator cuff tendons, and can provide real-time imaging. Your provider will determine whether ultrasound is appropriate for your particular clinical question.
Fairbanks Ultrasound currently advertises same-day walk-ins with a valid referral or imaging order. Contact the clinic to confirm the current ordering requirements for your specific examination.
The public website does not publish a verified MSK-specific price. Contact the clinic at (907) 374-4644 for current pricing.
Ultrasound is non-invasive. The transducer may apply pressure over a tender area, and some examinations may involve movement of the affected body part.
Sometimes. Ultrasound and MRI answer different clinical questions. Your referring provider can determine whether ultrasound is sufficient or whether another imaging study is appropriate.
Bilateral or comparison imaging may be clinically appropriate, but scheduling and billing depend on the examination ordered. Contact the clinic when booking.
The public MSK service page reviewed does not advertise ultrasound-guided injections as a standalone service. Patients whose provider is planning an injection should contact the clinic to determine whether imaging support is available.
570 Riverstone Way, Unit #2, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
