Servant Medical Imaging - services


00		00
	Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, uses electromagnetic radiation to make images of your bones and internal organs. Simply put, x-rays allow doctors to take pictures of the inside of the body. One of the oldest forms of medical imaging, x-ray is a simple, painless medical test that can help your doctor provide you with appropriate treatment, even in emergency situations. It's a fast, easy and safe way for your doctor to view and assess conditions ranging from broken bones to pneumonia to cancer. FLUOROSCOPY: Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that shows a continuous x-ray image on a monitor, much like an x-ray movie. It is used to diagnose or treat patients by displaying the movement of a body part or of an instrument or dye (contrast agent) through the body. During a fluoroscopy procedure, an x-ray beam is passed through the body. The image is transmitted to a monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. We use fluoroscopy for MRI or CT Arthrogram procedures.

	000FAQ?

	• How are X-rays produced?
	X-rays (also called radiographs) are produced by passing a small amount of controlled radiation through the body. Radiation from x-rays are absorbed differently by the tissues of the body. When the x-rays pass through the body, these differences are captured on a special film plate that is placed next to the body. For example, bone absorbs more radiation than soft tissue, making it appear bright white on film.

	• Do I need to prepare fo my X-ray?
	No preparation is required.

	• What can I expect during my X-ray examination ?
	Before your x-ray, you may be asked to change into an examination gown and to remove any metal from your body (eg, eyeglasses, jewelry, watch). Next, you will be taken into the x-ray suite and positioned on an examination table or between a metal box and an apparatus that contains the x-ray tubes. Once you are in position, the technologist will leave the room and may ask you to hold your breath if x-rays are taken of the chest. Holding your breath is very important because motion of the lungs during regular breathing can blur the images. Next, the technologist will come back into the room to put new film in the machine and you will most likely be asked to change position to allow imaging from different viewpoints.

	• Are X-rays safe ?
	Because x-ray studies involve radiation, special care will be taken to shield your body from scatter radiation with a lead apron. Today's x-ray machines and film only need minimal amounts of radiation to produce a clear, detailed image. Because the radiation is highly controlled and targeted, damage to the cells of the body is very unlikely. So, for most X-ray examinations, the benefits of any medically indicated examination are thought to greatly outweigh the small risk. However, if you're pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, inform your doctor before having an X-ray. Though the risk of most diagnostic X-rays to an unborn baby is small, your doctor may consider whether it's better to wait or to use another imaging test such as ultrasound.

	• Why would my doctor order an X-ray?
	To evaluate joint injuries and bone infections · To screen for lung and heart diseases · To diagnose the cause of persistent coughing or chest pain · To check for broken, fractured or chipped bones · To help locate objects that may have been accidentally swallowed. · To evaluate infection of the sinuses (sinusitis)

	• What is an Arthrogram?
	An arthrogram is a series of X-rays images of a joint after injection of a contrast medium. The injection is normally done under a local anesthetic. The radiologist performs the study utilizing fluoroscopy to guide the placement of the needle into the joint and then injects an appropriate quantity of contrast. The physician or technologist then obtains computerized tomography (CT) scans or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The joint can be imaged from many angles in fluoroscopy, or on a slice by slice basis in CT and MRI scans. The physician assesses the images produced. An arthrogram is an X-ray test taken after a contrast material (such as a dye, 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, cartilage, and your joint capsule that are not seen on a plain X-ray (without contrast material).

	• Why would my doctor order an Arthrogram?
	An arthrogram is used to help determine the cause of symptoms or problems you may be having with your joint. 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 bones. This procedure can be done on various joints, including your hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or jaw (temporomandibular joint).

	• How does an Arthrogram work?
	A shot of medicine is put into the skin over the joint to numb the area and dull the pain. Another needle is then put into the joint space between the bones. Fluid may be removed from the joint and sent to a lab for tests. A small amount of contrast is put into the joint and x-rays are taken. The contrast helps the needle and the joint show up better. A series of x-rays are then quickly taken using fluoroscopy. You may be asked to change positions while the images are obtained. If you are having an MRI arthrogram, after the contrast has been administered, you will then be escorted to the MRI room for your exam. The contrast will highlight the ligaments and tendons, in and around your joint, allowing them to be seen on the MRI images.

	• When will I get my results?
	Your results should be available in your physician's office within 24 hours.