Musculoskeletal Imaging in Northwest Montana
Musculoskeletal Imaging is an area of radiology that provides diagnostic imaging examinations of the skeleton, ligaments, muscles and joints. Specifically, musculoskeletal imaging is used to diagnose conditions that include arthritis, sports injuries, trauma and tumors. Procedures vary from general x-ray examinations to more complex ones such as joint aspiration, arthrography, biopsies, and stereotactic injections.
The musculoskeletal imaging specialists with Northwest Imaging are all board-certified by the American Board of Radiology and provide musculoskeletal imaging services for patients throughout Montana. Contact us today for more information on the musculoskeletal imaging services we offer.
MRI Examinations
MRI examinations (magnetic resonance imaging or scanning) are used in musculoskeletal examinations because of their particular value and usefulness in imaging and evaluating soft tissue structures such as cartilage, muscles, bone marrow, nerves and vascular structures.
MRI Arthrography
MRI Arthrography is a two-step examination, an arthrogram and an MRI exam. It is performed because of its exceptional diagnostic accuracy when there is a need to examine large joints like the shoulder, knee and hip and small joints such as the ankle, elbow, and wrist. It is also used for complex cases such as postoperative knee and postoperative shoulder evaluations. Prior to the MRI exam, an arthrogram is performed in which a contrast agent (dye) is injected into a joint using x-ray fluoroscopy for guidance. The dye allows better visualization of the joint and possible tears of tendons or cartilage on the images produced by the MRI exam.
After the dye has been absorbed into the joint, the MRI exam is performed. The MRI generates different views of the joint and together with the dye, produces highly detailed images with extremely accurate information for a diagnosis or evaluation.
Computed Tomography (CT scan)
Computed Tomography or CT scanning examinations are used in musculoskeletal examinations because of their value and usefulness in examining and evaluating bony areas for fractures, healing processes, bony alignment, infections, and bone tumors. It is also particularly helpful in providing multiple views and three-dimensional image reconstructions that can be helpful in surgical planning. To help visualize the vascularity of the structures being examined, a contrast agent or dye may be administered.
CT Arthrography
Similar to MRI arthrography, CT arthrography is also a two-step examination, an arthrogram and a CT examination. It is used because of its ability to produce finely detailed images of the bony areas noted above. Prior to the CT examination, an arthrogram is performed in which a contrast agent (dye) is injected into the joint using x-ray fluoroscopy for guidance.
After the dye has been absorbed, the CT exam is performed. The exam generates different views of the bony structures and together with the dye, produces highly detailed images with accurate information for an evaluation or diagnosis.
CT Guided Bone Biopsy
CT guided Bone biopsies are conducted to obtain tissue samples from bone or surrounding tissue for histological diagnosis. By employing the use of a CT scanner to produce images from different angles or views (stereotactic imaging), the radiologist is able to localize the area on the patient and perform the biopsy with extreme precision.
Joint Aspiration
Large joints like the shoulder, hip and knee contain synovial tissue that produces a lubricant like fluid. Joint aspiration is performed when there is a need to remove this fluid to determine the causes of swelling, arthritis, gout and rheumatoid disease. Using fluoroscopy for guidance, a needle is placed into the joint and the fluid is aspirated (withdrawn). The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Musculoskeletal Imaging at Northwest Imaging
The board-certified radiologists with Northwest Imaging utilize the latest imaging technology and have extensive experience performing a wide array of safe and accurate musculoskeletal imaging tests. Contact us today for more information on the musculoskeletal imaging exams we perform at our many Montana radiology clinics. We have clinics in Browning, Townsend, Libby, Kalispell, Plains, Whitefish, Hot Springs, Chester, Shelby, Conrad, Cut Bank, Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Eureka, Fort Benton, Polson, Malta, Rnan, and Choteau.