Image Optimization

The Gain button is used to adjust the overall gain of the ultrasound signal, directly affecting the brightness and contrast of the entire image. Excessive gain leads to image saturation and loss of fine detail, while insufficient gain may render certain structures poorly visible or unreadable. Proper gain adjustment is therefore one of the fundamental steps in achieving high-quality imaging and is essential for reliable assessment of both echogenicity and the architecture of the examined tissues.

The TGC (Time Gain Compensation) button is used to adjust the gain of the ultrasound signal at various image depths. Unlike overall gain, it does not affect the brightness of the entire image uniformly, but instead allows independent adjustment of the brightness in superficial and deeper regions to achieve a consistent display across the entire field. Correct TGC settings help compensate for signal attenuation with increasing depth and improve the clarity and readability of structures. Incorrectly set TGC can result in certain parts of the image appearing too dark or, conversely, overexposed.

The Focus button allows you to set the focal point of the ultrasound beam to the desired depth. When the focal zone is positioned within the region of the examined structure, there is a significant improvement in both resolution and image sharpness. Conversely, an incorrectly set focus can lead to unnecessary degradation of image quality, thereby reducing the visibility of fine details. Proper use of the focus function is therefore particularly important when examining small and superficially located structures, where even minor differences in image quality can be decisive.

The Depth button allows adjustment of the displayed field depth. Optimally, it should be set to include the examined structure with only a small margin below it, as excessive depth leads to loss of detail, reduced resolution, and a less clear image. Correct depth setting is therefore important for making the best use of the image area and for accurate assessment of the examined region, particularly when evaluating superficially located musculoskeletal structures.

The Zoom button is used to magnify a selected area of the ultrasound image, allowing more detailed assessment of a specific region without the need to change the overall depth settings. It is particularly useful when evaluating fine structures or in situations where precise measurements are required. When used correctly, zoom enhances the clarity of the selected detail and facilitates orientation within the image, without the need to modify the basic examination settings.

The Frequency button is used to change the operating frequency of the probe during examination. Higher frequencies provide better resolution of superficially located structures, while lower frequencies allow better penetration of ultrasound into deeper tissues. Choosing the correct frequency is therefore always a compromise between image detail quality and depth of penetration, and should be based on how deep the structure of interest is located and how fine the details we need to visualize.