Whole-body imaging for fast tear and fracture assessment—in the clinic or on the sideline.
An integrated imaging solution to support injury detection and guided interventions — anytime, anywhere.
Deliver precise care.
Engage patients with real-time injury monitoring and biofeedback assessment. Guide interventions for accuracy.
Engage patients and build trust.
Butterfly iQ3 helps you guide nerve blocks, regenerative procedures and PRP injections with precision, allowing you to build trust with your patients.
Provide comprehensive care.
Butterfly iQ3 helps you identify the cause of pain and clarify treatment plans within the walls of your clinic.
Start treatment at the first visit.
Advanced imaging features can help inform diagnoses and interventions for conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Get started with MSK ultrasound.
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MSK basics
Join Dr. Mike Stone and Dr. Julia Iafrate to explore the basics of musculoskeletal imaging including technique and appearance of common structures.
Knee Effusion
Join Dr. Mike Stone as he describes the ultrasound appearance of a large hemarthrosis in a patient with an acute ACL tear.
Hip Effusion
Join Dr. Mike Stone as he walks through the key findings of an ultrasound of a pediatric patient with acute transient synovitis of the hip.
These videos are for informational purposes only, to demonstrate potential uses of the Butterfly probe They are not a substitute for professional clinician training and experience. Clinicians are solely responsible for patient care and for exercising their independent clinical judgement at all times.
Dr. Garry Ho shares how ultrasound has transformed his MSK practice.
“Nine times out of ten, my patients are getting an ultrasound in the clinic...it’s a real game-changer.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ultrasound used in musculoskeletal imaging?
Ultrasound is used in MSK imaging to evaluate tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, bursae, and peripheral nerves for injury, inflammation, and pathology. It is also used to guide diagnostic and therapeutic injections with real-time needle visualization. Butterfly iQ3 is used by orthopedic physicians, sports medicine specialists, rheumatologists, and physical therapists for point-of-care MSK assessment and procedural guidance.
What is MSK ultrasound?
MSK ultrasound is a form of diagnostic and procedural imaging that uses sound waves to assess soft tissue structures in the musculoskeletal system — including tendons, muscles, ligaments, joint spaces, and bursae. It offers several advantages over MRI for MSK assessment: it is real-time, dynamic, portable, and less expensive. Butterfly iQ3 enables clinicians to perform MSK ultrasound at the point of care without referring patients to radiology.
Can Butterfly iQ3 be used for MSK exams?
Yes. Butterfly iQ3 is FDA cleared for musculoskeletal imaging and is used for a broad range of MSK applications including rotator cuff assessment, Achilles and patellar tendon evaluation, carpal tunnel assessment, joint effusion detection, and dynamic evaluation of instability or snapping tendons. The single probe supports the high-frequency imaging required for superficial MSK structures.
What are the advantages of ultrasound for MSK assessment over MRI?
Ultrasound offers several advantages over MRI for MSK assessment: it is performed in real time and can capture dynamic movement (a critical advantage for assessing tendon instability or snapping structures that are invisible on static MRI), it is available immediately at the bedside, it has no contraindications for implanted hardware, and it costs significantly less. Butterfly iQ3 makes these advantages accessible to any clinician at the point of care.
Can ultrasound guide MSK injections?
Yes. Ultrasound-guided injection is standard practice for many MSK procedures including corticosteroid injections, PRP therapy, aspiration of joint effusions, and nerve blocks. Butterfly iQ3 provides real-time needle guidance for these procedures, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of inadvertent injection into non-target structures.
Is Butterfly useful for sports medicine?
Yes. Butterfly iQ3 is widely used in sports medicine for sideline and clinic-based MSK assessment — including evaluation of acute soft tissue injuries, dynamic tendon assessment, and joint effusion evaluation. The pocket-sized form factor and smartphone connectivity make it practical for athletic trainers, team physicians, and sports medicine providers to use in field settings as well as clinic environments.