Diagnostic Imaging

When your bones or joints are involved, chances are the first thing you will require is an X-ray. Having this capability on-site expedites identification of the problem and the extent of any damage.

Digital X-rays are the method of choice because there is no time-consuming development process required. Instead, high quality images are produced in minutes and stored electronically, making it a breeze to share the images with other medical professionals if needed.

In addition, you are exposed to significantly less radiation with digital X-rays – as much as 80% less than with traditional X-rays. So, while traditional X-rays are still considered safe, the digital version is even safer for you.

So many orthopedic offices have to send you elsewhere for an MRI. Not at the Joint Replacement Institute. We have a full-body MRI right here on the premises, making it easy to get a detailed picture of your internal body structures.

Magnetic resonance imaging utilizes magnetic fields, radio waves, and a computer to create crisp, clear cross-sectional images of bones, joints, and soft tissue. It is a painless procedure that involves laying on a scanner table, which is then positioned inside the donut-shaped machine. There is no radiation involved in an MRI.

MRIs offer more clarity than X-rays – especially when it comes to soft tissue such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. MRIs are often called for in cases where your doctor suspects you may have suffered orthopedic damage due to arthritis, cartilage tears, ligament disruptions, tendonitis, and more.

Fluoroscopy involves the use of a mobile C-shaped arm (called a C-arm), which is a medical imaging device that connects an X-ray source and TV-like monitor.

This imaging procedure uses continuous high-resolution X-rays that show up on a fluorescent screen and can be viewed in real time. The C-arm can take images of a patient’s joints from almost any conceivable angle, although in our practice, we primarily use fluoroscopy, along with a contrast dye inserted into the joint, to help guide the placement of pain management injections.

Ultrasound imaging is a painless, noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to create real-time images of internal structures. The sound waves are delivered via a hand-held device called a transducer, which is gently guided atop a patient’s skin in the area being imaged.

In our orthopedic practice, ultrasound is used primarily to guide certain types of injections such as PRP therapy, as well as some pain management therapies. This helps your doctor to administer injectable therapies with pinpoint accuracy.