Radiography, or X-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. The most common use of X-rays is to assist in identifying and treating fractures. Images of an injury can show our doctors even very fine, hairline fractures or chips, while images produced after treatment ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing.
Bone X-rays are used as an essential tool when we perform orthopedic surgery, such as spinal repair, joint replacements, and fracture reductions.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI can help provide information for a fast and accurate diagnosis and possibly reduce the need for exploratory surgery or other diagnostic procedures. MRI’s use a magnetic field and a sophisticated computer system to give reliable and detailed images of the body. In orthopedics, we use MRI’s for high quality images of soft tissue areas such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. While this machine is very spacious, it is important to note that this is a closed MRI. If you have issues with claustrophobia feel free to come to the suite and ask one of the technologists to take look at the machine. We do require all medically implanted devices to have proper documentation prior to the MRI so please click here for more information.
Ultrasound is an excellent tool for diagnosing the cause of real-time tendon and ligament pain. While we perform an ultrasound, you can point to where you’re hurting, and we can immediately get a look at that exact area as you’re moving and experiencing the pain. Many times, a patient’s pain seems to have no clear cause, but diagnostic ultrasound allows us an in-depth look at injuries, detecting even tiny tears that an MRI might miss.
In addition, our doctors often use ultrasound guidance to administer injections to the optimal spot for healing. There is no radiation involved with ultrasounds, so they are safe for people with pacemakers, spinal cord stimulators, and other medical devices that cannot handle the radiation of other diagnostic tools.
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) are tests to help your orthopedic doctor determine how well your muscles and nerves work.
EMG is a test that measures the electrical nerve impulses in muscles to identify poor nerve input or poor nerve functioning.
NCV measures how well a nerve works and can help specify the site of a nerve injury.
EMG and NCV are often performed at the same time to help diagnose nerve compression or injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), nerve root injury (such as sciatica), or other nerve abnormalities associated with pain or numbness.
Our team of therapy specialists includes physical and occupational therapists who will work with you to meet your rehabilitation and training goals after an injury or orthopedic surgery. In addition to hands-on therapeutic techniques and progressive strengthening exercises, you will benefit from post-therapy support to help you continue your therapy at home, promote natural healing, and reduce recovery time.
We specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, including joint replacement therapy, hand therapy, balance rehabilitation, spinal care, athletic training, and Kinesio taping. Learn more about our physical and occupational therapy services.
