Ultrasound can be used to image any patient presenting with a complaint arising within the soft tissues or joints. Any patient can have an ultrasound evaluation, including those who are confined to a wheelchair or cannot have an MRI.

Ultrasound is also an excellent method for guiding therapeutic procedures. Under direct ultrasound guidance, physicians can directly place a needle into a joint, bursa, or tendon sheath to remove fluid or inject medication exactly where it needs to go, with image documentation.