Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Clinic

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Dr. Deborah Parks, Clinical Operations Director for the Division of Rheumatology at WashU Medicine, is the esteemed director of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Clinic. With a vision for advancement in rheumatology care, Dr. Parks initiated a musculoskeletal ultrasound training program within the fellowship training program in 2012. This program paved the way for the establishment of the clinic, which now specializes in offering point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasonography.

At the clinic, the use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography allows for the early identification of subclinical synovitis. This early detection proves invaluable in providing targeted treatment for various types of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and crystalline arthritis. Furthermore, the clinic has been successful in identifying early musculoskeletal complications of immunotherapy for malignancies, leading to the development of multidisciplinary treatment plans.

The impact of the clinic extends beyond patient care, as it serves as a hub for translational research projects. One notable research project is the performance of minimally invasive ultrasound-guided synovial biopsies, which contribute to the study of rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis and treatment as part of the NIH Accelerating Medicines Project. Additionally, the clinic actively engages in biobanking of synovial fluid and peripheral blood to evaluate musculoskeletal complications associated with immunotherapy for malignancies.

Under the expert direction of Dr. Deborah Parks, the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Clinic remains dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal ultrasound techniques, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to innovative research in the field.

Clinic Locations

Director

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