Medical Imaging

 

Digital X-Ray

 

• In office x-ray machines for convenience

• Digital Quality

• Low Radiation Exposure

 

 

X-rays are best used to visualize the structure of bone, thereby giving detailed information and potentially identifying bone fractures, bone irregularities, the stability of the particular bone structure, and the integrity of joint spaces. 

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Orthopaedic Specialists of North County (OSNC) has x-ray capabilities on site at both office locations. This offers great convenience to patients. X-rays are processed using digital imaging technology, which allows the technologist to reduce radiation exposure to the patient. Patients may take copies of their images on a compact disc (CD), and the images are stored on the PACS-- a HIPAA compliant archiving and communications system.  

 

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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An MRI is an imaging machine that generates an image by using a large magnet. Typically, the image generated is of high resolution and clearly detailed. An important aspect of an MRI is that there is no radiation exposure. An MRI gives a detailed image of internal body structures, such as bone, soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Occasionally, the MRI may be enhanced by contrast dyes.

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OSNC's Carlsbad office has MRI capabilities at the facility. MRI may not be available to all patients, including those with pacemakers or stents, due to the strength of the magnetic force. An alternative is a CT Scan which produces a slightly less detailed picture.

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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

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A CT scan provides internal images of the body.  The entire experience is much faster than an MRI and is completed in a few minutes.  Unlike MRI imaging, pacemakers and other medical devices inside the body are not contraindicated for CT scanning. Unlike MRIs, CT scans do expose the patient to minimal radiation, 

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Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

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Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create dynamic images of structures within the body. An ultrasound machines does not use x-rays, so there is no exposure to radiation.  With ultrasound, real-time images are obtained which can identify the particular abnormality.

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