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CT Scan (Tomography)
CT (computed tomography), uses x-ray equipment to obtain
image data from different angles around the body, and then
a computer processes the information to show a cross-section
of body tissues and organs. This test can show several tissues
- lung, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels - with great
clarity. With the CT Scan radiologists can diagnose problems
such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease,
trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. This involves little
radiation exposure.
Bone Radiography
Probably the most common use of bone radiographs is to assist
the physician in identifying and treating fractures. X-ray
images of the skull, spine, joints, and extremities are
performed every minute of every day in hospital emergency
rooms, sports medicine centers, orthopedic clinics, and
physician offices. Images of the injury can show even very
fine hairline fractures or chips, while images produced
after treatment ensure that a fracture has been properly
aligned and stabilized for healing. Bone x-rays are an essential
tool in orthopedic surgery, such as spinal repair, joint
replacements, or fracture reductions. Radiography involves
exposing a part of the body to a small dose of radiation
to produce an image of the internal organs. When x-rays
penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts
by different part of the anatomy. Ribs, for example, will
absorb much of the radiation and, therefore, appear white
or light gray on the image. Soft tissue such as the liver
or lungs will appear darker because it absorbs less radiation.
Broken bones or malignancies in the bone can usually be
detected with radiography. The exposed film is either placed
in a developing machine, producing images much like the
negatives from a 35 mm camera, or images are digitally stored
on computer.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Body: This process uses radio
waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to
provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal
organs and tissues. The technique has proven very valuable
for the diagnosis of a broad range of conditions in all
parts of the body, including cancer, heart and vascular
disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders.
MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows
evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible
with other imaging methods.
Musculoskeletal: The parts of the musculoskeletal system that are most frequently
imaged with MRI are the knee and shoulder. However, MRI
has also been used to study almost every joint in the body,
including the spine, hips, wrists, and hands. MRI requires
specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation
of some body structures that may not be as visible with
other imaging methods. MRI is widely used to diagnose sports-related
injuries, as well as work-related disorders caused by repeated
strain, vibration, or forceful impact.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound (US) or sonography involves the sending of sound
waves through the body. Those sound waves are reflected
off the internal organs. The reflections are then interpreted
by special instruments that subsequently create an image
of anatomic parts. No radiation is involved in ultrasound
imaging. A US image is a useful way of examining the musculoskeletal
system of the body to detect problems with muscles, tendons,
joints and soft tissue. US images are captured in real time,
so they can often show movement, function, and anatomy,
as well as enable radiologists to diagnose a variety of
conditions and assess damage after an injury or illness.
Ultrasound images can be useful in diagnosing tendon tears,
such as tears of the rotator cuff in the shoulder. Abnormalities
of the muscles can also be seen such as tears and soft-tissue
masses. Bleeding or other fluid collections within the muscles,
bursea, and joints can also be detected. Please note that
ultrasound has not proven useful in detecting whiplash injuries
or other causes of back pain.
Nuclear Medicine - Bone Scans
Bone scans are used to detect arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures,
sports injuries, tumors and even cases of child abuse. Bone
scans may also be used to evaluate unexplained bone pain,
malignancies in the breast, prostate or thyroid and certain
types of heart or brain damage. During the first part of
the test, the tracer is injected. It generally takes about
two hours for the tracer to be absorbed by the bones. The
technologist will let you know if it is okay to eat during
this waiting period. During the waiting period, you should
try to urinate as often as possible because it will help
eliminate the tracer from your body that is not going to
the bones. Depending on the study, the technologist may
take pictures of your bones as the tracer is moving through
your bloodstream before it reaches your bones. It takes
about 30 minutes to complete the images. In most bone studies,
however, the imaging portion takes much longer, from two
to four hours. For most bone scans, you will lie on the
imaging table with the camera positioned above or below
you. Several images may be taken or the camera may move
slowly, imaging the entire length of your body. Although
the imaging session takes a long time, it is extremely important
that you remain as still as possible so that the scan results
are accurate. For children, the procedure is the same as
for adults, except that after the tracer injection, the
child may be given a sedative. If the child is given a sedative,
he or she will have to remain in the nuclear medicine department
until they are fully awake. After the test, the child should
be able to resume daily activities, and there are no restrictions
to eating, drinking or contact with others. If the child
has been sedated, you may wish to let him or her rest for
a day before resuming normal play activity.
Arthrography
An arthrogram is an x-ray of a joint, usually a hip, shoulder,
or wrist. During the procedure, a contrast material (also
called dye) is injected into the joint. The contrast material
is visible on the x-ray image and helps the radiologist
and your doctor to recognize specific abnormalities (or
to confirm the absence of abnormalities).
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