Dr. Ashwin Lawande
Consultant Radiologist at Dr.Mukund Joshi Imaging Clinic, Mumbai.
Being a practitioner of ultrasound and radiology since the last 15 years, Dr. Lawande is a leading name in musculoskeletal ultrasound in the country. He is associated with IRIA, IFUMB, Indian Paediatric Radiology Association and has several publications to his credit in renowned journals in the field of radiology, notably in Adnexal Masses and Paediatric Renal Masses. In this interview, he discusses musculoskeletal imaging, its advancement, uses, infrastructural challenges in India and the role of Mindray in establishing the technology in India.
Question 1: Compared globally how is modern MSK imaging evolving in India?
MSK Imaging in India has grown leaps and bounds since it started way back in 2000. Thereafter, with the advancements in technology and the efforts of various international faculties who were working to ease the accessibility of the knowledge of MSK ultrasound scanning and MRI at ground level in India, we committed ourselves to its application.
So, we started from the scratch around the year 2003-2004 in India and the major breakthrough came in 2010 when there was a plethora of information and awareness in the subject. At present we believe that we are at par with our European and American counterparts.
Question 2: Which are the key treatments within MSK domain that has helped treat patients prominently?
MSK imaging is primarily used for diagnostic purposes. We perform X-Ray, Sonography, MRI, CT San to diagnose the cause of pain, aches etc in the patient’s body.
Then we go for an image guided intervention which is predominantly done by using an ultrasound machine. With this technique, we can accurately detect the cause and provide specific treatment to the patients.
Ultrasound guidance facilitates relief with the aid of procedures like injecting steroids locally in tendons, PRP injections and calcium barbotage procedure. It can also be used for spine intervention for pain relief. These procedures are well developed in India and currently being performed by a majority of medical practitioners.
Question 3: Please comment on you experience with Mindray’s MSK imaging solution?
Mindray has been a trusted partner since the beginning of our partnership. With latest technologies by such solution providers, resolution especially in MSK imaging, abdominal imaging and obstetric imaging has been improving drastically over the years. MSK imaging is close to my heart and with the simplicity and excellence of innovative technologies provided by Mindray, I can treat patients with ease and accuracy. Mindray is instrumental for promoting better and healthier medical practices and I am really thankful to them for their continuous efforts and assistance.
