How Orthopedists Use Imaging For Your Care

17 Nov 2017 Diagnostic Imaging, Orthopedists , , , , , , ,

The word “imaging” in the medical world, refers to the use of various forms of technology to provide a diagnostic look at different structures and processes in the body. Orthopedists use imaging to determine if an injury or condition has caused harm to the musculoskeletal system, including the muscles, bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and even nerves. The two most common types of diagnostic imaging tests are X-rays and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). However, there are many other types of scans that can be used for diagnosing and even helping treat certain orthopedic conditions.

If you are experiencing an injury or condition affecting your musculoskeletal system, medications and physical therapy are usually the first methods of treatment that your orthopedist likes to use. If these treatments are not enough or are not effective in relieving your pain, surgery can help. However, before making an accurate diagnosis and choosing a treatment, orthopedists use diagnostic imaging as a means to get a closer inside look at the inside of the body. For example, imaging can be done of a specific joint to see if a condition such as arthritis may be causing severe chronic pain, and whether any abnormal structural changes are present.

At Tucson Orthopedic Institute, we have state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment and technology to help our orthopedic doctors accurately identify, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from various musculoskeletal problems. Imaging is beneficial, because, when an orthopedist sees the results from the imaging test, this helps them be able to give a patient a diagnosis as early as possible, which helps avoid further complications from developing.

The common types of imaging we use include:

  • Digital X-rays: Helps identify pain, fractures, and joint issues
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
  • CT Scan: A CT will create a 3D image of the bones and soft tissues
  •  Bone Density Scan: This lets doctors get a closer look at the inside of people’s bones. It is mostly used to diagnose people with conditions such as osteoporosis.

Have any other questions about how we use diagnostic imaging tests, or need to schedule an imaging test? Call our East Tucson office at (520) 784-6200 to get started.

The Importance of Proper Imaging for Diagnoses

22 Sep 2017 Diagnostic Imaging , , , ,

The New England Journal of Medicine cited medical imaging as one of the top advances in medicine in the past 1,000 years. There is no equivalent tool available for seeing inside the human body, without actually cutting it open.

Diagnosing orthopedic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system was revolutionized by medical imaging. Orthopaedic surgeons may be incredibly skilled and experienced with diagnosing conditions based on the symptoms of the patient and external appearance or other cues, however, imaging allows your doctor to see inside your skin, viewing details on the extent and position of an injury or condition. There was a time when exploratory surgery was a routine part of diagnosing certain conditions, and this is thankfully no longer necessary in almost all cases due to diagnostic imaging.

There are several common types of imaging that your doctor may recommend, depending on the location and nature of your complaint:

·        Digital X-rays – often the first and only tool needed, useful in diagnosing fractures and dislocations

·        Computerized Tomography (CT scans) – a series of X-rays that gives a more detailed picture

·        Ultrasound – provides real-time accurate images without radiation

·        Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – especially helpful for diagnosing torn ligaments

In addition to providing invaluable visual information that helps determine a diagnosis, imaging will show when an injury or condition has healed. It will also indicate whether a treatment has been effective in promoting healing, or if some adjustment in medication or other treatment needs to be made. Not only can diagnostic imaging help orthopedic surgeons give an accurate diagnosis, it can also be utilized to see the progress a patient is having during and after treatment.

Thanks to the use of proper imaging, surgical procedures needed to correct a condition are less invasive or may be avoided all together. Tucson Orthopaedic Institute offers onsite medical imaging using the most advanced technology available. Our patients save valuable time and get diagnosed quickly and accurately, so that treatment can begin without delay. Call one of our conveniently located facilities today for an appointment in the Tucson, Arizona area.

Find the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute location nearest to you, or request an appointment online right now.

The Importance of Proper Imaging for Diagnosis

1 Sep 2017 Diagnostic Imaging , , , , , , , ,

The New England Journal of Medicine cited medical imaging as one of the top advances in medicine in the past 1,000 years. There is no equivalent tool available for seeing inside the human body, without actually cutting it open.

Diagnosing orthopedic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system was revolutionized by medical imaging. Orthopaedic surgeons may be incredibly skilled and experienced with diagnosing conditions based on the symptoms of the patient and external appearance or other cues, however, imaging allows your doctor to see inside your skin, viewing details on the extent and position of an injury or condition. There was a time when exploratory surgery was a routine part of diagnosing certain conditions, and this is thankfully no longer necessary in almost all cases due to diagnostic imaging.

There are several common types of imaging that your doctor may recommend, depending on the location and nature of your complaint:

·         Digital X-rays – often the first and only tool needed, useful in diagnosing fractures and dislocations

·         Computerized Tomography (CT scans) – a series of X-rays that gives a more detailed picture

·         Ultrasound – provides real-time accurate images without radiation

·         Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – especially helpful for diagnosing torn ligaments

In addition to providing invaluable visual information that helps determine a diagnosis, imaging will show when an injury or condition has healed. It will also indicate whether a treatment has been effective in promoting healing, or if some adjustment in medication or other treatment needs to be made. Not only can diagnostic imaging help orthopedic surgeons give an accurate diagnosis, it can also be utilized to see the progress a patient is having during and after treatment.

Thanks to the use of proper imaging, surgical procedures needed to correct a condition are less invasive or may be avoided all together. Tucson Orthopaedic Institute offers onsite medical imaging using the most advanced technology available. Our patients save valuable time and get diagnosed quickly and accurately, so that treatment can begin without delay. Call one of our conveniently located facilities today for an appointment in the Tucson, Arizona area.

Find the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute location nearest to you, or request an appointment online right now.

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