If you have suspected injury to the tendons or ligaments in your knee, then your doctor may send you to an imaging clinic for an ultrasound. Ultrasounds do a better job of showing these soft tissues and any injuries to them than x-rays, and yet they are easier to undergo than an MRI. Here are the key things you need to know prior to having an ultrasound performed on your knee.

Your knee will be flexed, and an ultrasound wand will be used.

Even if you've had an ultrasound performed on your abdomen or another body part in the past, having one performed on your knee is a little different. Your ultrasound tech will start by moving your knee into the proper position. This will involve you bending your knee, which may be a little painful depending on the nature of your injury. However, the technician will generally allow you to rest your knee on a pillow or pad to ease the strain of the position you need to hold it in. 

Once your knee is flexed the proper amount, the ultrasound technician will start moving a small wand over your knee. They'll likely apply a special, lubricating gel to allow the wand to slide more easily. You'll feel pressure on your knee during this process, but there should be no more overt pain than if you were to press gently on the knee with your fingers.

Your ultrasound results will be analyzed quickly.

Ultrasounds of the knee are not as hard to interpret or "read" as ultrasounds of some other body parts. Generally, what the technician and doctors are looking for is a tear in a certain structure, and if one exists, it will be hard to miss. As such, you can expect to get the results of your ultrasound quickly. Many techs will tell you right away when they do come across an injury.

You will generally still have a follow-up appointment with your doctor after the ultrasound to confirm what is wrong and explore treatment options. For example, if they find you have a torn ACL, they may discuss whether you should have surgery and when to schedule it.

If you need an ultrasound of your knee, try not to worry too much. This is a really straightforward test that doesn't cause serious pain, and the results can tell you a lot about any tears that may exist in your ligaments or tendons.

For more information, talk with your doctor or an ultrasound imaging service such as Physiologix Health Services in your area.