Musculoskeletal Radiology

Musculoskeletal Radiology consists of imaging to evaluate the bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the body. This includes tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Using one of several imaging modalities such as MRI, CT (“CAT” Scan), MRI Arthrography, CT Arthrography, Ultrasound, or X-ray, diseases such as arthritis, sports injuries, trauma, infection, and tumors can be diagnosed and potentially treated.

MRI

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a sensitive technique for the assessment of soft tissue structures including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, and also for abnormalities of bone marrow or bone reaction.

CT (“CAT” Scan)

CT, or Computed Tomography, is a detailed technique that highlights abnormalities of compact bone, useful and complimentary to MRI for assessment of trauma, bone healing, alignment, infection, and tumors. CT with contrast dye administration assists with evaluation of the soft tissues and blood vessels. Three Dimensional (3D) reconstructed CT images contribute to pre-operative planning.

MRI Arthrography

MRI Arthrography is a two part test. It first requires direct needle injection of a contrast agent (dye) into a joint using fluoroscopic X-ray guidance, a procedure also known as arthrography. Injection is next followed by an MRI study. The two step examination allows for an optimized analysis of internal joint structures. MRI Arthrography increases the diagnostic accuracy for assessment of such things as hip or shoulder labral tears, specific ligament tears, or cartilage abnormalities. It is also commonly used to investigate new or recurrent symptoms after surgery, like the postoperative knee or the postoperative shoulder.

MRI Arthrograms can be scheduled by calling (215) 481-2524. A prescription from your doctor is required.

CT Arthrography

CT Arthrography, similar to MRI Arthrography, is a two part test that requires preliminary joint injection with a contrast dye agent (arthrography), followed by a CT examination. CT arthrography can be utilized for people who cannot receive an MRI, such as those that possess a pacemaker, or for others who cannot tolerate MRI. In addition to allowing for specific detail of compact bone, CT Arthrography is also a technique of increased accuracy for the diagnosis of labral tears, cartilage abnormalities, and various ligament tears.

CT Arthrograms can be scheduled by calling (215) 481-2524. A prescription from your doctor is required.

Ultrasound

Fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists at our practice perform both diagnostic and therapeutic examinations utilizing ultrasound. Complementary to MRI, ultrasound is useful for evaluation of muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments located about various joints throughout the body. It uniquely allows for dynamic assessment with joint and limb motion. It also provides direct visualization and accessibility for therapeutic treatment, either by needle injection utilizing steroids, or by needle manipulation. Example treatable conditions include: Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis, shoulder, hip, or other bursitis, epicondylitis, piriformis muscle syndrome, other tendinitis, Ganglion cysts, or Baker’s cysts.

Ultrasound guided needle or injection therapy can be scheduled by calling (215) 481-2524. A prescription from your doctor is required.

Joint Injection (Pain Management)

Using Fluoroscopic X-Ray or Ultrasound as guidance, steroids and analgesics can be injected into various joints in the body for pain relief. After administering local anesthesia, a needle is appropriately placed inside the joint of interest and medication is injected.

Joint Injections can be scheduled by calling (215) 481-6226. A prescription from your doctor is required.