Why MSK Physicians Choose L4-20t-RS for High-Performance Ultrasound

Ultrasound is rapidly becoming a go-to tool for musculoskeletal (MSK) physicians—and with good reason. As more providers bring ultrasound into their daily practice, the demand for high-performance, versatile probe technology continues to grow.  

The XDClear™ L4-20t-RS transducer, paired with the Versana Premier™ ultrasound system, is helping MSK physicians expand what’s possible in their everyday practice. With high-resolution, high-frequency imaging, advanced personalization, and a suite of intuitive features, the system empowers providers to enhance their scanning capabilities - with confidence, efficiency, and precision. 

A Versatile Solution for MSK Providers 

Among those who’ve experienced the benefits of L4-20t-RS is Ian Thomas, MD MSc, CAQSM RMSK RSCC CSCS, owner of Thomas Sports and Regenerative Orthopedics (TSARO). Dr. Thomas is a Harvard-trained orthopedic interventionist fellowship trained in Sports Medicine, Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography, ultra minimally invasive hand surgery, stem-cell harvesting techniques, and interventional pain procedures. 

Dr. Thomas recently had the opportunity to use Versana Premier(TM) and L4-20t-RS in both clinical applications and academic instruction, and shared his insights with GE HealthCare. 

One Probe, Many Possibilities 

Dr. Thomas first discussed the versatility of L4-20t-RS, specifically its ability to easily scan various types of structures due to its wide frequency bandwidth. In a clinical paradigm where clinicians often switch between probes to obtain the desired breadth of imaging, the L4-20t-RS proved to be an effective probe across contexts. “In MSK ultrasound, you generally use a variety of probes. You use curvilinear for certain structures, and if you're doing something very superficial where you need the higher-frequency probes, then you're using a hockey stick, “ says Dr. Thomas. “But for me, both in the teaching context and clinical context, I found it to be an all-in-one probe.”  

“But for me, both in the teaching context and clinical context, I found it to be an all-in-one probe.”  

The L4-20t-RS enabled Dr. Thomas to use the same probe in multiple different environments, including academic teaching and instruction, outpatient and inpatient care, and surgery. He highlighted the benefits of a more versatile probe during procedures: “Your typical hockey stick probe is really meant to be used with the right hand,” he says. “If you’re performing a procedure and you have to put it in your left hand, you have to reverse the image to actually do a short axis that's aligned with the screen. So it was nice to be able to do some of those more superficial things with that probe and not have to have that same limitation as you get with a hockey stick, but still the same frequency.” 

From the Clinic to the Classroom 

Dr. Thomas also emphasized the benefits of the L4-20t-RS for academic instruction.  Features like needle-guidance and Whizz image optimization support effective training for students new to ultrasound. “In interventional orthopedics, I teach a lot of procedural techniques.  

Some features were quite helpful for needle guidance, especially when I had a resident with me in my office, says Dr. Thomas. “Also, when you're just starting to learn ultrasound, there are a lot of buttons and features that can be confusing for those newer to ultrasound. With the Whizz feature automatically optimizing the image as we were scanning, it allowed me to focus more on the teaching aspect from a structural or anatomical perspective.” 

Efficiency in High-Volume Settings 

One of the most tangible benefits of L4-20t-RS was its ability to support Dr. Thomas’s high-volume caseload. “I run a busy clinic. I see around 30 to 40 patients a day and perform a variety of procedures, evaluations, and diagnostics. And so for me, there are times when we have to keep the clinic moving, and I can't have another person helping me with a procedure or with the diagnostics. With a more versatile probe, I can get more done. I don't have to break sterility between patients or worry about manual adjustments during scans.” 

"With a more versatile probe, I can get more done. I don't have to break sterility between patients or worry about manual adjustments during scans."

Enhanced Imaging with Versana Premier 

Dr. Thomas utilized the L4-20t-RS probe as part of his overall experience with Versana Premier. He and his staff were impressed with Versana Premier’s suite of image optimization and workflow features. He specifically remarked on the benefits of Versana Premier’s Strain Elastography, Power Doppler, and Whizz image optimization features. “I used Power Doppler in cases where there was more diagnostic uncertainty, and, as I said before, Whizz was very helpful in the teaching aspect and the procedural elements.”  

Dr. Thomas also appreciated the clinical benefits of Versana Premier’s needle recognition software, which facilitated simpler and more confident needle-guided procedures. “I generally teach about five short-axis techniques and six long-axis techniques, and it just kind of makes that easier from a patient perspective, so they know what to expect.” 

Versana Premier + L4-20t-RS: Elevating MSK Ultrasound  

Dr. Thomas’s experience is a powerful example of how Versana Premier and the L4-20t RS transducer are elevating MSK ultrasound—delivering speed, precision, and confidence across clinical and academic settings. To explore how this powerful system can enhance your practice, contact our team today to schedule a personalized demo. 

** Dr. Thomas is a paid consultant for GE HealthCare and was compensated for participation in this article. The statements by Dr. Thomas described here are based on his own opinions and on results that were achieved in his unique setting. Since there is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist, i.e. hospital size, case mix, etc., there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.