Diagnostic Imaging at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute provides advanced diagnostic imaging services as a critical component of our comprehensive approach to patient care. Diagnostic imaging allows us to obtain detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures, enabling our specialists to diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Our state-of-the-art imaging technology ensures accurate diagnoses, whether dealing with sports injuries, chronic conditions, or acute pain. It helps guide the most effective treatment plan for your needs.

What is Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging refers to a range of non-invasive techniques used to create visual representations of the inside of the body. These images help doctors identify abnormalities, such as fractures, inflammation, or soft tissue damage, that may not be visible during a physical examination. At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we utilize various types of diagnostic imaging to diagnose and treat orthopedic, podiatric, and sports-related conditions. The most common types of diagnostic imaging used in our practice include:

• X-rays
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
• Ultrasound
• Bone Scans

Each imaging technique provides unique insights into the body’s structures, allowing our specialists to develop a detailed and accurate picture of your condition.

Conditions Diagnosed with Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in identifying a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Fractures: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose bone fractures, assess the severity of the break, and guide the treatment plan, whether it involves immobilization, casting, or surgical intervention.
• Joint and Ligament Injuries: MRIs and CT scans often diagnose injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), rotator cuff, meniscus, and other ligaments and tendons. These injuries are common in athletes and active individuals.
• Arthritis: Imaging helps detect early signs of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of arthritis by revealing joint degeneration, inflammation, and cartilage loss.
• Tendon and Muscle Injuries: Ultrasound and MRI are frequently used to diagnose tears, strains, and inflammation in muscles and tendons, such as Achilles tendonitis or hamstring tears.
• Bone Spurs and Growths: X-rays can detect abnormal bony growths, such as bone spurs (osteophytes), which often develop in conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or other degenerative diseases.
• Stress Fractures: These small cracks in the bone, commonly seen in athletes, can be detected using MRI, CT scans, or bone scans when X-rays do not show clear evidence of the injury.
• Foot and Ankle Deformities: Diagnostic imaging is essential in assessing conditions such as bunions, flat feet, hammer toes, and other structural deformities that affect foot and ankle alignment.

Types of Diagnostic Imaging at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we offer a variety of diagnostic imaging options to meet each patient’s specific needs. Each type of imaging provides valuable information that helps guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

X-rays

X-rays are one of the most commonly used imaging techniques for diagnosing orthopedic conditions. They provide a clear image of bones, allowing our specialists to assess fractures, dislocations, bone deformities, and joint problems. X-rays are fast and noninvasive and are often the first imaging test performed when evaluating an injury or condition.

• Uses: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose fractures, joint dislocations, arthritis, and bone deformities. They can also reveal bone spurs or changes in bone density.
• Procedure: During an X-ray, the patient is positioned so that the area of concern is captured on the X-ray film. The procedure takes only a few minutes and exposes the patient to minimal radiation.
• Advantages: X-rays are quick, painless, and highly effective at providing detailed images of the bones.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool that provides detailed images of soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons) and bones. MRIs are particularly useful for diagnosing soft tissue injuries, such as ligament tears, tendonitis, and muscle strains, which are often not visible on X-rays.

• Uses: MRIs are commonly used to diagnose ligament injuries (such as ACL tears), tendon injuries (such as rotator cuff tears), cartilage damage, and conditions affecting the muscles and soft tissues. They are also used to assess the extent of degenerative joint diseases like arthritis.
• Procedure: During an MRI, the patient lies on a table that slides into a tube-like machine. The MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, and no radiation is involved.
• Advantages: MRI provides highly detailed images of soft tissues and bones, making it an essential tool for diagnosing various orthopedic and sports-related injuries.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans Computed Tomography (CT) Scans are advanced imaging that use X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. They provide more detailed information than traditional X-rays and are especially useful for diagnosing complex fractures, bone abnormalities, and joint issues.

• Uses: CT scans often diagnose complex fractures, such as those involving multiple bones or joints. They are also helpful for evaluating bone tumors, arthritis, and other conditions that affect the bones and joints.
• Procedure: The patient lies on a table that moves through a CT scanner, which takes multiple X-ray images from different angles. These images are combined to create a detailed, 3D view of the bones and soft tissues.
• Advantages: CT scans offer a more detailed view of bones and joints than traditional X-rays, making them an excellent choice for diagnosing complex or hidden injuries.