ARTHROGRAM INTRODUCTION / EXAM PREP |
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ARTHROGRAM INTRODUCTION
An arthrogram is a joint x-ray exam taken after a contrast
material, such as dye or air or both is injected into your affected
joint. It is used to view the soft tissue structures of your joint,
such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, and cartilages that are not seen
on regular x-ray. An arthrogram may be more useful than a regular
x-ray because it shows the surface of soft tissues lining the joint
in addition to the bone. This procedure can be done on various joints
including you hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
You will be place on an examination table with your joint under an
x-ray machine connected to a video monitor that can show x-ray images.
The skin over your joint is cleaned with an anti-septic solution and
draped with sterile towels. A local anesthetic is injected into the
site where the contrast material will be injected. A needle is inserted
into your joint area. The x-ray ensures the needle is placed correctly
within your joint. The contrast material is injected through the needle
into your joint and then the needle is removed. You may be asked to
walk a few steps or move your joint around to evenly distribute the
contrast material inside your joint. Images from the fluoroscope are
reviewed to ensure that the dye has filled your entire joint before
the xrays are taken. A radiologist will perform this exam.
EXAM PREP
There is no preparation for this procedure.
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CT INTRODUCTION / EXAM PREP |
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CT INTRODUCTION
A Cat Scan (Computer Aided Tomography, commonly called CT scan) is
a simple, safe way for your physician to "see inside your body."
A computer creates highly detailed cross sections and may build three
dimensional pictures of your organs, tissues, and bones from x-ray
beams. At Open MRI & CT Specialists, we have state of the art
equipment that adjusts the amount of radiation exposure that you receive
based on the body part we are scanning and your size; thus keeping
radiation exposure to a minimum. CT scans aid your physician in accurately
diagnosing your illness or injury and planning treatment.
Advise the Open MRI & CT Specialists receptionist and technologist
prior to your examination if you have any of the following:
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to food or medications, such as shellfish or
iodine
- Asthma
During your CT, you will lie on an x-ray table that will slowly be
moved through the doughnut-shaped scanner. Certain patients will be
informed and advised concerning the use of IV contrast (sterile iodine)
as part of their CT scan. The CT exam usually takes between 15 minutes
and one hour.
After the exam, you may resume regular activity unless otherwise instructed.
EXAM PREPARATION
Different exams require very different preparations. Please refer
to the list below and follow the instructions closely as the preparation
can affect the results of your exam. Failure to do so may cause a
delay and possibly require rescheduling your exam. If you do not find
your exam listed below or have any further questions, please do not
hesitate to contact Open MRI & CT Specialists prior to your exam.
For your convenience, you may want to wear comfortable clothes without
metal, such as a sweat-suit or elastic waist pants and a slip over
shirt. Women may want to wear a sports bra without metal hooks or
wires. If you'd prefer, Open MRI & CT Specialists will supply
suitable clothing for your examination.
Abdomen/Pelvis:
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to your
exam. If you take any medications, you may still take them using as
little water as possible. You will be asked to arrive at Open MRI
& CT Specialists 30 minutes prior to your exam. At that time,
you will be given a barium drink. This helps "highlight"
your stomach and bowel giving a more detailed exam. You may also receive
some IV contrast; this helps to "highlight" your blood vessels.
If you have an allergy to iodine or have experienced an allergic reaction
to IV contrast in the past, contact Open MRI & CT Specialists
prior to your exam to find out if you will need premedication.
Head/Neck: No preparation is necessary. You
may be given some IV contrast to help "highlight" your blood
vessels. If you have an allergy to iodine or have experienced an allergic
reaction to IV contrast in the past, contact Open MRI & CT Specialists
prior to your exam to find out if you will need premedication.
Spine/Extremities: No preparation is necessary.
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CT CARDIAC CALCIUM SCORE INTRODUCTION / EXAM
PREP |
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CT CARDIAC CALCIUM SCORE INTRODUCTION
Cardiac scoring is a special CT examination that assesses
the coronary arteries for build up of calcium. It shows the amount
of calcium deposits in the arteries of the heart, which directly correlates
to the amount of coronary plaque and to the risk of future coronary
artery disease. The results are scored according to the amount of
calcium deposit, patient’s age & weight. A low score suggests
a low risk of coronary artery disease, but does not exclude the possibility
of significant coronary artery narrowing. The cost for the examination
is $250.00. The procedure is not currently covered by insurance companies.
EXAM PREPARATION
There is no preparation for this procedure.
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MRI INTRODUCTION / EXAM PREP |
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
uses magnets rather than x-rays to scan your body. MRI allows physicians
to look inside your body without pain, surgery, or radiation to make
an early, accurate diagnosis of various illnesses and injuries. MRI
sends radio waves into your body, and measures the reflective response
with a computer, creating a series of detailed images of your internal
organs and tissues. A special kind of MRI exam, called Magnetic Resonance
Angiography (MRA), examines the blood vessels. Radiologists will then
interpret these images working in conjunction with your physician,
who will then diagnose your illness and plan treatment accordingly.
Open MRI is a revolutionary new type of MRI scanner, which features
easy accessibility for a larger range of patients requiring the technology
of MRI. We are setting a new standard in patient comfort with our
unique extra large opening. This technology combined with our experienced
staff eliminates much of the anxiety as well as claustrophobic tendencies
associated with these exams. Open MRI can accommodate patients weighing
up to 440 pounds. The innovative design also allows a family or staff
member to be very close to you throughout the exam.
You should not experience any unusual feeling or discomfort during
your MRI exam. You will lie on a specially designed, padded table.
During the exam, you will hear the equipment make a series of knocking
sounds, which are normal and not harmful in any way. Certain patients
will be informed and advised concerning use of intravenous (IV) contrast
(sterile, dilute Gadolinium) as part of their MRI examination. This
does not require any special preparation.
Contact Open MRI & CT Specialists of Stockbridge prior to your
examination if you have any of the following. We may need to review
your medical records prior to your examination to ensure MRI compatibility:
- Pregnancy
- Aneurysm clips or brain surgery
- Metal fragments from military service or work
- Surgical implantation of any metal, wire or electronic
devices
- Artificial cardiac valves
Patients with cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators and certain other
implanted devices cannot be examined with MRI. If you have any questions
about whether or not you have any metal that is not compatible with
MRI, be sure to contact Open MRI & CT Specialists prior to your
exam.
Brain MRI: An MRI of the brain produces
very detailed pictures of the brain. It is commonly used to study
patients with headaches, seizures, weakness, blurry vision on many
other problems. It also can further evaluate an abnormality seen on
a CT scan. During the brain MRI, a special device called a head coil
is placed around the patient's head. It does not touch the patient.
This device is what helps produce very detailed pictures of the brain.
Spine MRI: This test is most commonly used to look for a
herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
in patients with neck, arm, back or leg pain. Patients will need to
lie on their back for the duration of the exam (which usually lasts
20-45 minutes).
Bone and Joint MRI: MRI
can evaluate virtually all of the bones and joints, as well as the
soft tissues. Tendon, ligament, muscle, cartilage and bone injuries
can be diagnosed with MRI. MRI also helps diagnose infections and
masses.
Pelvic MRI: For women, pelvic MRI is used to evaluate the
ovaries and uterus or stage endometrial cancer.
MRA: A MRA evaluates blood vessels. The blood vessels in
the neck (carotid and vertebral arteries) and brain are frequently
studied by MRA to look for areas of stenosis or dilatation. In the
abdomen, the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys are also frequently
examined by this technique.
EXAM PREPARATION
There are really no special preparations for a MRI. Because
MRI obtains images through use of a large magnet and metal will interfere
with image acquisition, wear comfortable clothes free of metal, like
a sweat-suit or shorts. If you'd prefer, Open MRI & CT Specialists
will supply suitable clothing for your examination. Women may want
to wear a sports bra without any metal hooks or wires. If you feel
it is necessary, ear plugs are available.
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ULTRASOUND INTRODUCTION / EXAM PREP |
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ULTRASOUND INTRODUCTION
An ultrasound is a safe, painless diagnostic procedure that
uses very high-frequency sound waves to produce a remarkably clear
image of the internal structure of your body. Ultrasound exams are
typically quicker and less expensive than CT scans, and because they
do not involve the use of x-rays, they are completely safe to use
even on pregnant women. Your physician will determine the most appropriate
diagnostic test given your individual situation.
During your ultrasound examination, you will lie on a table while
the sonographer applies gel to the specific area being examined. A
probe is then gently rolled over your lubricated skin. The real-time
image created is viewed on a nearby monitor.
Still frame photos and/or videotape images are recorded during the
procedure. The exam usually takes from 15 to 45 minutes.
Abdominal ultrasound: Used to assess the liver, gallbladder,
kidneys, pancreas, and spleen. Ultrasound is often ordered to look
for gallstones.
Pelvic ultrasound: In women, pelvic ultrasound can evaluate
the uterus and ovaries. Frequently, an endovaginal study is performed
in which a special transducer with a cover is inserted into the vagina
by the patient. This exam is performed in conjunction with a pelvic
ultrasound to provide very high resolution images of the uterus and
ovaries.
Thyroid ultrasound: Assesses the size of the thyroid gland
and looks for any abnormalities of the thyroid and surrounding areas.
Vascular ultrasound: Used to assess arteries and veins. Doppler
and color flow ultrasound are used in addition to standard ultrasound
imaging. Ultrasound is used to evaluate for blood clots, most commonly
found in the leg veins. Carotid artery ultrasound imaging may be performed
to evaluate for narrowing of these arteries. Ultrasound can also be
used to evaluate the blood vessels in the abdomen.
EXAM
PREPARATION
Different exams require very different preparations. Please
refer to the list below and follow the instructions closely as the
preparation can affect the results of your exam. Failure to do so
may cause a delay and possibly require rescheduling your exam. If
you do not find your exam listed below or have any further questions,
please do not hesitate to contact Open MRI & CT Specialists prior
to your exam.
Abdominal Ultrasound: Nothing
to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to your exam. If you
need to take medication, go ahead and take it with as little as water
as possible.
Pelvic Ultrasound: Full bladder.
Drink 32-48 ounces of water 1-1 1/2 hours prior to your examination.
Do not empty your bladder.
Thyroid Ultrasound:
No preparation necessary. You may choose to wear a button down shirt
or a low neck shirt so you do not have to change your clothes.
Vascular Ultrasound: No preparation necessary.
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