26 US/50 User's Guide
Part 5
Ultrasound—Contraindications
Ultrasound should not be used in the following areas: transcerebrally; near the
heart or reproductive organs; over viscera, eyes, ears, the spinal column,
malignancies, the joint capsule in arthritic conditions either acute or subacute,
or over total joint replacements. Ultrasound should not be used in cases of: cardiac
pacemakers, pregnancy, implants, malignant or benign tumors, multiple sclerosis,
arteriosclerosis or weakened blood vessels, hemophilia, thrombosis and
thrombophlebitis either acute or subacute. Neither should ultrasound be used
over bone in growing children, where the skin suffers from any sensory
impairment, nor in the area of the carotid sinus nerves, visceral plexus of large
autonomous ganglion.
Ultrasound—Precautions
Excessive doses of ultrasound can cause damage to tissue. Periosteal pain is an
indication of excess intensity. Should this occur, reduce the power and/or move
the transducer more quickly over the area being treated.
Any bleeding tendency is increased by heating because of the increase in blood
flow and vascularity of the heated tissues. Care should be used in treating patients
who have bleeding disorders.
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