Common Orthopaedic Studies
RADIOGRAPH
Also known as an X-ray, is the Orthopod’s best friend. It allows visualization of your bones. Your physician may order one or more X-rays to diagnose a fracture (broken bone), anatomical abnormalities or to evaluate joint problems. The Summit Center and Northern Arizona Orthopaedics has state of the art, on-site, X-ray facilities.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnet, rather than X-rays to create images, of the human body. Like all imaging techniques, the MRI creates images based on differences between tissue types. Unique to the MRI is that these images are created due to different tissue types having different responses when placed in a magnetic field. An MRI is often used to study nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones in the body; the detail of the study can be quite incredible and supply enormous amounts of information. An MRI scanner is present on the Summit Center premises.
ULTRASOUND
This is a diagnostic technique where high-frequency sound waves create an image of the internal structures of the body.
MR ARTHROGRAM
This is an MRI where dye is injected into the joint being evaluated prior to scanning. This can be quite helpful in patients with prior surgery to the same area and for soft tissue injuries.
ARTHROGRAM
This is an X-ray that is taken after dye has been injected into the joint being evaluated. It is useful for evaluation of fluid in areas where it normally is not.
CT SCAN
A computed tomography scan is a study that uses a series of X-Rays to create images, “slices”, of the body. Commonly CT is inappropriately referred to as a CAT scan. The CT scanner takes X-ray images of the body from different orientations. A computer integrates these images to create a two-dimensional image of the body in axial, transverse, coronal and saggital planes. 3-D reconstructions can now be obtained thus allowing the surgeon to see an actual real life reproduction of the body site. The images represent slices of the body which can be made at 3mm increments.
NERVE BLOCKS
These are utilized for post-operative pain control and depend on the type of surgery that the patient is having.
EMG
An EMG (electromyography) is used in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders that produces an audio or visual record of the electrical activity of a skeletal muscle by means of an electrode inserted into the muscle or placed on the skin. EMGs are useful for diagnosing abnormalities of nerves.
ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
An arthroscope is a miniature camera and light source that projects an image onto a monitor in the operating room. It allows the surgeon to look inside enclosed spaces, like joints. Both the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and pathology can be done through small 1cm skin portals. For an arthroscopic procedure, general anesthesia is typically administered to make the patient comfortable. Arthroscopic surgery is advancing rapidly and now some tendons and ligaments can be repaired, cartilage lesions addressed, bone spurs can be removed, and even some fractures can be reduced, all without major skin incisions.
BONE SCAN
This is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the patient’s bloodstream and is then detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone. It is useful in detecting infection and stress reactions in bone.
DEXA SCAN
Bone mineral density (BMD) is a test that measures the amount of calcium in specific bones. From this information, an estimate of the strength of your bones can be made. DEXA is the most accurate method for measuring BMD. It is fast and uses very low doses of radiation. DEXA measures BMD in bones of the spine and hip. Under good conditions, DEXA can measure as little as 2% of bone loss per year and aid in fracture prevention in the elderly.