Orthopedic imaging relies on X-ray, MRI and CT to diagnose disorders and injuries affecting the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and spine. Orthopedists also use these test results to create an effective treatment plan.
Experts hope the information gained from their research could help providers better determine whether patients will regain mobility after sustaining an injury.
Many people with low bone mineral density are not aware of their condition because they fail to get screened through DXA or are not eligible due to age.
The technology is so promising that it is being integrated into GE Healthcare’s MRI scanners so that providers can conduct more thorough evaluations of how these implants hold up over time.
Although gadolinium-based contrast agents are largely considered safe and are routinely used for MRI exams, experts suggest that providers should still utilize GBCAs sparingly for musculoskeletal studies.
In PRF procedures, a probe is used to intermittently apply energy directly to the dorsal root ganglia, which is often where pain and neurologic symptoms associated with sciatica originate.
Although rare, SIRVA made its way into headlines following the widespread rollout of COVID vaccines. This prompted a renewed push among the medical community to better define the side effect.
Such scans offer significant reductions in radiation exposure, but there is concern that lower dosage might sacrifice image quality, causing readers to miss important findings.
Raj Kedar, MD, chief of radiology at Tampa General Hospital, spoke on how to reduce the number of STAT imaging exams and inappropriate exams via staff education and additional questions of orders.
Radiology practices are already operating on razor thin margins, with price increases prompting calls for congressional action to prevent further damage.