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 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.

On-Site Diagnostic Imaging

21 Jul 2017 General ,

It is not an overstatement to say that diagnostic imaging scans have revolutionized medicine in recent decades, allowing doctors to peer into the human body to the hidden, underlying structures without needing a scalpel. At the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, we understand the value of advanced on-site diagnostic imaging. That’s why we offer convenient digital X-rays, computed tomography (CT), a sophisticated bone density scan, and a magnetic resonance machine (MRI), all on-site. No more running around town, because we are a one-stop, full service orthopaedic practice.

 

Diagnostic Imaging Scan Capabilities

 

·      Computed Tomography (CT) scan: uses a sophisticated form of X-rays to create detailed 3D images that help detect injures such as torn tendons and ligaments.

·      Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): harnesses a powerful magnetic field combined with radio waves to build digital images of organs and soft tissues of the body

·      Bone density Scan: helps to diagnose bone issues such as osteoporosis. A bone density scan can estimate the mass and density of your bones

·      Digital X-rays: superior to film X-rays in quality, storage, and they require 90% less radiation exposure for the patient. They also provide a much quicker image than previous X-rays.

 

We believe in patient centric care, built around your specific needs and lifestyle. That’s also why we offer exceptional specialty care such as: pediatric orthopedics, specialized elbow, shoulder, hand, and foot care, in addition to superior non-surgical, rehabilitative, joint replacement, and spinal care, alongside our onsite diagnostic imaging.

 

We proudly serve our valued patients with extended hours, multiple convenient locations, online bill pay, durable medical equipment (such as walkers, braces, crutches and more), extended hours, and a leading clinical research center, putting our practice at the forward edge of orthopedic medicine.

 

Whether you need bracing, a dedicated hand or foot specialist, a complete joint replacement, on site diagnostic imaging, or you choose us for our sophisticated interlocking treatment approach to care, we have the exceptional care you need, that fits into your busy life, because at Tucson Orthopedic Institute, we are proudly different by design.

 

If you, or a loved one, would like to know more about our on-site diagnostic imaging tools, or if you would like to schedule an appointment at any of our offices, please call us in East Tucson at (520) 784-6200, Northwest Tucson at (520) 382-8200, or Oro Valley at (520) 544-9700, or request an appointment online.

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