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Diagnostic Imaging
At CORE, not only are we experts at performing life-improving surgeries, but we also specialize in diagnostics through our Radiology department. We offer a wide range of specialty services that help us plan out your customized treatment plan.
Call us today to schedule your CT, MRI and more.
An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is a fast, painless imaging technique that produces images of the internal organs through the use of high-frequency sound waves.
An ultrasound is a noninvasive, simple procedure that can produce images of soft tissues, which often don’t show up well on X-rays. There is no ionizing radiation used during an ultrasound and there are no serious side effects of the procedure.
Reasons for an Ultrasound
An ultrasound can be used to monitor and diagnose a wide range of conditions within nearly any system of the body. This test may be performed on patients experiencing pain, swelling or infection of unknown origin. The images produced by an ultrasound may help to:
- Diagnose problems with abdominal organs
- Reveal abnormalities of the muscles
- Guide a needle during a biopsy
- Check blood flow
The Ultrasound Procedure
Preparing for an ultrasound varies, depending on the objective of the imaging. While many ultrasounds require no preparation whatsoever, some may require fasting for six hours before the test.
During an ultrasound procedure, the patient lies down on an examination table and gel is applied to the skin at the area to be imaged. The technician then moves a transducer, a special handheld instrument, across this area. The transducer enables sound waves to be transmitted back and forth between the body and the device. The transducer then relays this information to a computer.
The examination usually takes from 30 minutes to one hour to complete. The results of an ultrasound are available immediately, but unless the doctor is present to interpret them, the patient will have to wait until the images have been reviewed to receive the report.
Limitations of an Ultrasound
While an ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic procedure, there are limitations to the information it can provide. Since sound does not travel well through bone or through air, ultrasound is not appropriate for imaging parts of the body containing gas or tissues obscured by bone. In such cases, other imaging tests, such as X-rays or computed tomography, known as CT scans, are needed.
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Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, is a non-invasive, radiation-free scanning technology that is used to view detailed images of the tissues and organs within the body. During an MRI test, radio waves and magnetic fields are used to produce clear and detailed three-dimensional images of the hard and soft tissues throughout the body.
Reasons for an MRI
An MRI is considered multifunctional and can be used to identify or locate an injury or abnormality, scan for developing problems, analyze damage from previous trauma, or aid in the planning of surgery. MRI produces images of any area of the body and can be an invaluable tool for detecting and diagnosing the following conditions:
- Back pain, spinal cord injury, herniated disc, and pinched nerves
- Joint and musculoskeletal disorders
- Degenerative disorders such as arthritis; deterioration of joint surfaces
Benefits of an MRI
The MRI procedure is safe for nearly all patients and is the only imaging tool to produce images of the hard and soft tissue within the body. The MRI procedure is an effective diagnostic tool that does not involve any exposure to radiation; unlike X-Rays, radioisotopes, CT scans and other methods that use radiation, MRI uses radiofrequency waves. Radio waves detect differences in water concentration and distribution in various body tissues, and produce signals which are then used to create three dimensional images that may be viewed from many different angles.
The MRI Procedure
Prior to the MRI procedure, a sedative may be administered if the patient feels anxious or is worried about feeling claustrophobic. The MRI machine resembles a long tube with openings on both ends. Some newer MRI machines have a more open structure which may alleviate the feeling of anxiety for some patients. In some cases, a contrast dye may be injected intravenously to enhance the appearance of certain areas within the body.
During the MRI procedure, the patient lies still on a table that slides into the MRI unit. While the patients lays still, a series of scans is then performed to obtain the images. The MRI machine uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio frequencies using a special computer to generate images of the body. The MRI test takes about one hour to complete.
Risks of an MRI
While an MRI is considered a safe diagnostic procedure with no major risks for most patients, the use of a strong magnetic field may lead to serious complications for some. An MRI exam is not recommended for patients with certain conditions, including:
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
- Cochlear ear implant
- Intrauterine device
- Metal implants
- Surgical staples
An MRI is not recommended for women who may be pregnant or breast-feeding. Patients should discuss all related health conditions with their doctors before undergoing an MRI.
Arthrogram
Arthrography is an X-ray that examines and diagnoses abnormalities in the joints.
This procedure uses fluoroscopy, a technique that injects iodine into the joint space in order to make the joint structures stand out in the image and easier to assess. People with unexplained joint pain may benefit from an arthrogram, which is most effective in detecting tears or lesions in joint structures.
Arthrography Purpose
This type of procedure can be used to identify problems within the:
- Shoulder
- Wrist
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
- Elbow
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Computed tomography scan, commonly known as a CT or CAT scan, is a sophisticated X-ray imaging system that scans thin “slices” of the body on all sides, then combines those slices into a highly detailed, three-dimensional digital image of hard and soft tissues in the body. The procedure is non-invasive, requires minimal radiation exposure, and can simultaneously depict tissues of different densities, which is not possible with traditional X-ray methods.
Reasons for a CT Scan
CT scans are highly useful for examining injuries and abnormalities, guiding needle biopsies, and aiding in surgical preparation. A CT scan can detect:
- Bone, soft tissue or blood vessel abnormality
- Joint and musculoskeletal disorders
- Spine problems, arthritis, osteoporosis
Benefits of a CT Scan
The CT scan procedure is able to produce clear, detailed images of the bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels during just one exam. This procedure creates real-time images that can detect internal injuries or bleeding quickly and simply. The CT scan often eliminates the need for exploratory surgery or biopsy. There are no serious side effects associated with this procedure, making it a safe and effective procedure.
The CT Scan Procedure
The patient is positioned on a table and may be provided with pillows for comfort. Depending on the radiologist’s instructions, the patient may be positioned on the back, side, or stomach. The technician will leave the room and the table will move slowly through the CT scanner which is shaped like a doughnut. The X-ray beam inside the CT unit spirals slowly around the patient on all sides, creating 360-degree images or slices of the area being examined. After the scan is complete, these slices are combined by computer into a highly detailed three-dimensional image of the site in question. Depending on the size of the area being scanned, the examination can take from five minutes to half an hour.
Arthrogram
Arthrography is an X-ray that examines and diagnoses abnormalities in the joints.
This procedure uses fluoroscopy, a technique that injects iodine into the joint space in order to make the joint structures stand out in the image and easier to assess. People with unexplained joint pain may benefit from an arthrogram, which is most effective in detecting tears or lesions in joint structures.
Arthrography Purpose
This type of procedure can be used to identify problems within the:
- Shoulder
- Wrist
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
- Elbow
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Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure administered to treat vertebral compression fractures with an injection of bone cement directly into the injured tissue. Compression fractures commonly occur as a result of osteoporosis, spinal tumors or injury, and can cause severe pain and limited mobility. They can also lead to abnormal spine curvature and increase a patient’s risk for serious spinal complications. When deemed a viable alternative to spinal surgery, a vertebroplasty presents many advantages. Unlike more invasive procedures, a vertebroplasty requires almost no recovery period and results in almost no scarring or bleeding and very little discomfort. In addition, a vertebroplasty can be a method of prevention as well as treatment, since the bone is very unlikely to refracture in the area in which it has been cemented.
In many cases, vertebral fractures can be treated through conservative methods such as bed rest, a back brace or pain medication. Like fractures in other areas of the body, these fractures can heal on their own. Patients with osteoporosis or whose fractures have caused severe, long-term pain, however, may benefit from a minimally invasive procedure such as vertebroplasty to relieve symptoms. This procedure is also recommended for patients who are too weak to undergo spinal surgery, or have a malignant tumor within the spine that has caused vertebral damage.
Because a vertebroplasty is most effective when performed on fractures that are less than 6 months old, X-rays of the spine will be taken prior to the procedure to determine not only the specific location of the fracture and its severity, but also how long ago it occurred.
The Vertebroplasty Procedure
During the vertebroplasty procedure, bone cement solution is injected into the targeted area of the spine to repair the fracture and stabilize the spine. X-rays are used to make sure that the injection site is pinpointed precisely. A vertebroplasty is performed with the patient under sedation in an outpatient setting. A local anesthetic is used to keep the patient pain-free. After the injection, the patient is required to lie still while the cement hardens, usually for a period of about 2 hours. In most cases, patients will be able to return home soon afterwards. A variation on the vertebroplasty procedure is a kyphoplasty in which a balloon is inserted into the fractured bone to restore it to its original shape before the cement in administered.
Recovery from Vertebroplasty
After the vertebroplasty procedure, most patients experience immediate pain relief and, after a day of rest, are typically able to return to normal activities. Others may notice a more gradual reduction in pain, and may experience soreness or pain at the injection site that can last up to 2 weeks. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications are usually all that is required for relief of these symptoms. Patients can return home the same day, but should rest and increase activity levels gradually. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks after treatment.
Most patients experience a significant increase in functioning after a vertebroplasty and there is not usually a need for physical therapy or rehabilitation. As an added bonus, regained mobility and increased activity lead to improved health, helping the patient to counter the effects of osteoporosis and to reduce the risk of future complications.
Risks of Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is considered a safe procedure with only a minimal risk of complications. As with any type of medical procedure, there are risks of infection, bleeding, increased back pain, numbness and tingling. There is also a risk that some of the cement may leak out of the vertebral body, although this is not usually a major problem.
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Digital X-rays are a sophisticated type of X-ray images in which digital sensors substitute for traditional photographic film. All X-rays make use of electromagnetic waves in order to produce images of internal parts of the body. For most purposes, digital X-rays are an improvement over conventional X-rays because they are more efficient and provide more easily transferable computer images of bones and other internal organs. Since with digital X-rays there is no necessity for chemical film processing, the procedure is streamlined and there is less danger of over- or under-exposure.
The Purpose of an X-ray
Digital X-rays are used for a variety of diagnoses, including discovering the cause of unexplained pain or other symptoms of injury or disease. Conditions often diagnosed through the use of digital X-rays include:
- Cancer
- Bone injuries and disorders such as arthritis or osteoporosis
- Tooth decay
- Problems affecting the digestive tract
- Infections
Digital X-rays can be used in conjunction with orthopedic surgery to ensure that a fracture or other injury has been properly set. Such X-rays are also invaluable in the detecting abnormalities in the heart and lungs. If further testing is required, X-rays may be followed up with other diagnostic imaging techniques, such as MRI, PET, CT scans or ultrasound.
Benefits of an X-Ray
The administration of digital X-rays is similar to that of conventional X-Rays except that the digital process uses a special imaging detector instead of a camera with film. This is the same technique used for digital cameras. Digital X-rays permit faster results and more efficient delivery to other doctors because the images can be viewed on one computer screen and easily transported to another.
Doctors can magnify the image to see details and carefully examine any abnormalities. This ensures the most accurate diagnosis of a wide range of conditions. Images can also be rotated, printed, and emailed for more effective comparison and consultation. In addition, digital X-rays expose patients to less radiation than conventional X-rays.
The X-Ray Procedure
X-rays are typically performed at any medical or dental practice, hospital, or emergency room. Depending on the purpose of the X-ray, it can last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. During the X-ray procedure, the patient will be properly positioned under the digital X-ray machine to ensure accurate imaging of the affected area. This process may be repeated for additional views of region and the patient may be instructed to change positions. There is no preparation necessary for a digital X-ray and the patient may resume normal activities immediately afterwards.
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Our medical center provides complete on-site diagnostic services including CT scan, MRI and X-ray.