MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI is ordered by your physician to evaluate internal body structures without having to use X-ray or surgery. MRI uses the physical properties of magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to generate images of soft tissues within the body. MRI is a non-invasive procedure and there are no known side or after effects. Patients are asked to lie on a table and remain still for approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on the test ordered. During the examination, a faint knocking sound will be heard, which is normal and is the operation of the imaging process. The images are formed from signals emitted by tissue in the body. The MRI process captures different tissue characteristics and translates them into different contrast levels on the image.
MRA -- Brain/neck, Circle of Willis, Carotids, Vertebrals, Intra/extracranial vessels, renal arteries/Abdomen, MRV
Arthrograms
An arthrogram is a procedure and imaging study using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This exam demonstrates more detail of the interior of the joint than standard MRI. The first part of the procedure will be done in a special procedure room in the office. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic soap. Using a needle, the radiologist will then numb the area using a local anesthetic. The needle will be advanced into the joint space using fluoroscopy. When the needle is in the correct place, contrast will be injected and a number of fluoroscopic images will be taken. This part of your study will take about 10-15 minutes, after which you will be sent to the MRI scanner for the rest of your study. The MRI may take 30-45 minutes to complete.
CatScan (CT) Spiral CT, 3D Reconstruction, CT angiography/aorta, circle of willis, Carotids.
Computed Tomography is a diagnostic imaging procedure that combines the use of x-rays with computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (“slices”) of the body. The images produced by this can are more detailed than those of an ordinary x-ray (or radiograph).
Ultrasound -- Vascular General, obstetrical, vascular.
Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high frequency sound waves. The reflected soundwave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.
Compression Studies
DynaWell® L-spine is non-invasive and easy to use. By simulating the standing position while a patient is lying down, it can give you a more relevant CT or MRI image of the lumbar spine, compared with regular, psoas-relaxed scanning. Learn more at www.dynawell.biz.
Diagnostic Radiology
Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. For nearly a century, diagnostic images have been created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human body, capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on a photographic plate. X-ray imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones, cracked skulls and injured backbones. At least two films are taken of a bone, and often three films if the problem is around a joint (knee, elbow, or wrist). X-rays also play a key role in orthopedic surgery and the treatment of sports injuries. X-ray is useful in detecting more advanced forms of cancer in bones. Very early cancer findings require other methods
