Ultrasound is used in Rheumatology for various rheumatological disorders, such as musculoskeletal conditions (MSUS) and other less common rheumatic diseases such as large vessel vasculitis and giant cell arteritis. Ultrasound is an advance imaging tool which aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions.
The MSUS programme is a subspecialty service which provides ultrasound scanning of various joints in the musculoskeletal system. The range of conditions seen in this service include inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, crystal arthritis), degenerative arthritis (e.g. osteoarthritis, trigger finger), as well as well as soft tissue conditions (e.g. frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer’s elbows).
We are also trained to offer highly skilled injection techniques, done under ultrasound guidance, with the aim to achieve better outcomes for patients. Ultrasound-guided injections may be more accurate and less painful in certain circumstances.
Other specialised areas of diagnostic ultrasound include giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatic, and large vessel vasculitis. We are the first Rheumatology centre in Singapore to offer these.
Ultrasound may be more sensitive than using x-rays or physical examination alone. Therefore, by having an ultrasound in addition to routine examination, laboratory tests and x-rays, subclinical synovitis which may not be evident on routine tests may be detected. Synovitis (or joint inflammation) and other more specific ultrasound findings on joints or blood vessels, can be used to guide treatment in terms of escalation or tapering of medication.
As the ultrasound is performed by the Rheumatologists, whom themselves are also clinicians and researchers, the programme is able to apply the clinical knowledge of the Rheumatologists to the expertise of performing the ultrasound. Therefore, we are able to provide holistic management of the condition.
Rheumatologists
Other support staff include the Autoimmunity and Rheumatology Centre (ARC) Clinic nurses.
SGH Department of Rheumatology & Immunology (RHI) has been performing Musculoskeletal Ultrasound imaging research in rheumatoid arthritis with research studies supported by institutional as well as national level grant funding. Some of the research projects we are embarking on include:
Find out more on our Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging research in Rheumatoid Arthritis here >
