HERTFORDSHIRE Community NHS Trust's rheumatology and pain service has purchased a SonoSite NanoMaxx point-of-care ultrasound system for its musculoskeletal clinical assessment and treatment service. Simon Duck, extended scope practitioner and musculoskeletal podiatrist, said of the procurement: "We operate a musculoskeletal triage service for orthopaedic and rheumatology GP referrals and purchased the NanoMaxx to assist in performing guided injections, which would otherwise have to be done blindly or be referred to secondary care. Doppler imaging is quite helpful in this as it is important to identify neovascularisation to determine the appropriateness of the injection. The system is portable, robust and easy to use and, used as an adjunct to our clinical skills, it will save us money in the long term." Dr Catherine Percy, associate specialist in rheumatology, added: "We tend to see patients with problems such as tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and other soft tissue conditions and it is useful to have access to ultrasound in your clinical practice. The NanoMaxx is very practical as we can move it around, take it in the car, and the battery lasts quite a long time. It has started us on a track that is worthwhile and will, in the future, enhance the department enormously."
