Question

In ultrasound imaging of the hand and wrist, why is it important to keep the ultrasound beam perpendicular to the structures being imaged?

a) To enhance Doppler effect
b) To minimize artifacts
c) To improve image resolution
d) To increase penetration depth

Answer 1

In ultrasound imaging of the hand and wrist, the beam must be kept perpendicular to structures mainly to minimize artifacts, ensuring clear images for accurate diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When using ultrasound imaging of the hand and wrist, it is important to keep the ultrasound beam perpendicular to the structures being imaged to minimize artifacts. This positioning ensures that the sound waves reflect back to the transducer effectively, allowing for a clear image of the tissue's structure. When the beam is not perpendicular, it can cause incorrect reflections and scattered echoes, leading to image degradation and diagnostic errors. The orientation does not directly impact the Doppler effect, image resolution, or penetration depth in terms of medical imaging.