Imaging

Open MRI machines have the magnetic imaging technology built into the top and bottom of the machine, leaving the sides open. This allows for not only more room but also plenty of open air around the patient, alleviating the trapped feeling they can experience in a traditional MRI. 

Some patients who struggle with claustrophobia actually prefer the open stand-up MRIs because all the imaging equipment is behind and to the side of the patient, giving them an unobstructed view forward. 

 A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. CT scan images provide more-detailed information than plain X-rays do.

Digital radiography, more commonly referred to as digital X-rays, offer similar diagnostic results to traditional X-rays, except the scans are immediately captured on a computer system. This makes the results more accessible, easily shared and quickly available to doctors for analysis. A preview image of the results is immediately available on the screen for preliminary analysis. 

The other benefit of digital X-rays are the processing techniques and enhancements available with the digital format. They give doctors better, more accurate results and eliminate the risks of over- or under-exposing results, making digital X-rays more reliable. 

Ultrasound is a popular option in orthopaedic imaging and diagnostics for several reasons. It tends to be more comfortable for patients than MRIs and CT scans and it doesn’t use radiation. Most patients can undergo ultrasounds while lying down comfortably rather than inside an MRI machine. Ultrasounds are also more affordable compared with magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. 

However, not all orthopaedic issues can be diagnosed using an ultrasound. Whether or not it’s an appropriate imaging tool for your condition will depend on your physician’s observations and professional opinion.  

A fluoroscopy is essentially a live X-ray. Instead of having to wait for or process X-ray imaging, your physicians can look at X-ray results in real-time on a monitor. This is especially valuable in the field of orthopaedics, as you can flex and move joints and your orthopaedic surgeon or sports medicine physician can watch the joints function to better diagnose issues and damages that need to be corrected. This is in stark contrast to a traditional X-ray, which is just a still image that won’t capture motion. 

Fluoroscopy is sometimes used during orthopaedic surgery or other procedures to help guide instruments or set fractures, as it allows the surgeon to get a real-time view of what’s happening under the skin without having to make excessive incisions.