February 22, 2008 - One of the first ultrasounds designed for musculoskeletal specialists—the S-MKK— was recently released by SonoSite Inc.
The S-MSK was made for usage by rheumatologists, physiatrists, sports physicians, orthopedic and osteopathic surgeons and physical therapists, said the company.
SonoSite plans to begin customer shipments in March.
Based on SonoSite’s fourth generation M-Turbo platform, the S-MSK ultrasound tool reportedly delivers an increase in processing power for superior image clarity plus connectivity for digital image export. The ultrasound system is backed with a five-year warranty.
“The image quality of SonoSite’s new generation platform is outstanding and comparable to that of larger, more expensive machines,” said Alvin F. Wells, M.D, Ph.D., Rheumatology and Immunotherapy Center and clinical assistant professor at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Milwaukee. “With this new technology, we can look deep into the joints and see what is going on. Just like a cardiologist would not practice without using echo, no rheumatologist should practice without using musculoskeletal ultrasound.”
With the S-MSK ultrasound tool was designed to be either carried, mounted on a pole or fixed on a wall or ceiling.
Configured for use with SonoSite’s HFL38x and L25x broadband transducers, the S-MSK ultrasound tool aims to provide imaging of superficial and deep targets for a quick look assessment and guidance of interventional procedures such as injections and aspirations of the knee, shoulder, elbow and other joints in the body. On-board Flash memory of 4 GB will retain enough data for 20 standard exams even after the power is turned off, said the company. The system also has three USB slots.
For more information: www.sonosite.com