MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
is ordered by your physician to evaluate
internal body structures without the need for
ionizing radiation or surgery. MRI uses the
physical properties of magnetic fields, radio
waves, hydrogen protons, and computers to
generate images of tissues within the body. MRI
is a non-invasive procedure and there are no
known side effects.
Patients are asked to lie on a table and remain
still for approximately 30 minutes or longer,
depending on the test ordered. During the
examination, a loud knocking sound will be
heard, which is normal and is the operation of
the imaging process. You will be given hearing
protection to use during the exam. The
radiofrequency causes a disturbance in the
hydrogen protons, then when the radiofrequency
is turned off, the protons release that extra
energy. That energy is captured by the coil, or
antenna, and is sent to a computer, which
transforms the signals in to an image.
MRI is used to obtain highly detailed of the
brain, spine, TMJ, abdomen, pelvis, and
extremities. MRI is especially helpful in
conjunction with arthrography to detect small
tears in the shoulder joint.
MRA Brain and Neck
(Circle of Willis, Carotids, and Vertebrals)
CatScan (CT)
Spiral CT and 3D Reconstruction. Computed
Tomography (or CAT scan) 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 scan are more detailed than
those of an ordinary x-ray (or radiograph) and
includes soft tissues, such as liver, lungs,
kidneys, etc.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within
radiology. It comprises diagnostic examinations
that result in images of body anatomy and
function. The images are developed based on the
detection of energy emitted from a radioactive
substance given to the patient, either
intravenously or by mouth. Generally, radiation
to
the patient is similar to that resulting from
standard
x-ray
examinations.
Mammography -- Screening, Diagnostic: Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray
system for examination of the breasts. The
images of the breasts are viewed on film at a
view box. Mammography plays a central part in
early detection of breast cancers because it can
show changes in the breast up to two years
before a patient or physician can feel them. If
previous mammograms were done at other
facilities, it is important to bring the most
recent exam(s) for comparison to the current
mammogram.
Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS), the American
Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical
Association (AMA) and the American College of
Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography
every year for women, beginning at age 40.
Ultrasound----Vascular
and General.
Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound
scanning or sonography. It 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.
Ultrasound images can be obtained from organs,
such as the kidneys or vessels, such as the
carotid arteries. Ultrasound is used to detect
ovarian cysts, to measure the thickness of the
endometrial lining, and to determine the nature
of most breast lumps (solid vs. cystic).
Dexa Scan or Bone Density
A
Dexa Scan is a measurement of the bone mineral
density (BMD) in your body. It will determine
your bone density for the area, plot it on a
graph, and compare that result with the average
density of patients of your sex and race as well
as the peak BMD. This information is critical
to your physicians ability to determine if you
need to take certain steps to protect your bone
health to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
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. At
least two views are taken of a bone, and often
three or more views if the problem is around a
joint (knee, elbow, or wrist) or in the spine.
X-rays also play a key role in
orthopedic surgery and the treatment of sports injuries. X-ray can
detect fractures, dislocations, growth plates,
and other bone-related pathology. X-ray is
often the initial exam done, but the findings
can result in the addition of other exams for
more details.
Fluoroscopy is basically x-ray in motion. The
radiologist uses fluoroscopy to watch barium
travel down the esophagus or through the colon.
Fluoro is also used to visualize contrast as
it is injected into the shoulder joint (arthrography)
or as it travels through the spinal canal (myelography).
EMG
is a study
performed in our center by Dr. Han, a
neurologist. This study EMG stands for
Electromyogram which loosely translated means
electrical testing of muscles but in fact has
come to mean electrical testing of nerves and
muscles. Sometimes EMGs are thought to be a
treatment of some sort, or a type of
acupuncture. This is not true; an EMG is only a
test, much like an EKG or an X-ray are tests and
not treatments.
