Diagnosis
A number of diagnostic procedures and imaging technologies can be used to identify and evaluate orthopedic conditions including:
CT Scan
CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. A CT scan is invaluable in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.
General Radiology (X-ray) 
An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. A bone x-ray makes images of any bone in the body, including the hand, wrist, arm, elbow, shoulder, foot, ankle, leg (shin), knee, thigh, hip, pelvis or spine.
A bone x-ray is used to:
- Diagnose broken bones or joint dislocation
- Demonstrate proper alignment and stabilization of bony fragments following treatment of a fracture
- Guide orthopedic surgery, such as spine repair/fusion, joint replacement and fracture reductions
- Look for injury, infection, arthritis, abnormal bone growths, bony changes seen in metabolic conditions
- Assist in the detection and diagnosis of bone cancer
- Locate foreign objects in soft tissues around or in bones
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound images are captured in real-time allowing physicians to literally watch muscles and tendons move. It is also used for guiding needle placement during needle aspirations or injections.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases including evaluating bones for fractures, infection, arthritis and tumors. They are introduced into the patient's body by injection, swallowing or inhalation.
Bone Density Scan
Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
To ensure proper treatment of injury and disease an Orthopedic program relies on a state-of-the-art Imaging department to help diagnosis a patient's underlying condition. At VVMC, we use a specialized Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS) that stores all images digitally and allows them to be quickly transferred anywhere in the world, including physicians' home or clinical offices.
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