Imaging

Imaging

The imaging services department of Tidewater Orthopaedics offers two X-Ray suites, ultrasound, and an extremity MRI machine. Our X-ray suites are both digital rooms which will allow the physicians to see the images on a computer screen for better quality and accuracy of diagnosis. Ultrasound allows for a minimally invasive, conservative, low cost diagnostic procedure. Our extremity MRI machine is as strong as the larger machines without all the noise and claustrophobic environment. It allows you to sit in a recliner-like chair with the affected extremity only in the machine. If we are doing your lower extremity you may even read a book (no ebook readers) or magazine and have a cup of coffee!

Our staff of Radiologic Technologists are certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and must complete continuing education throughout the year. Each staff member is dedicated to furthering their knowledge base so that we can better serve your imaging needs.

MRI

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and is a non-invasive, pain free advanced imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field to produce radio-frequency pulses that are directed through the area of interest and give a detailed image. These images assist your physician in the diagnosis and treatment of bone, soft tissue, tendons or ligament injuries and other abnormalities.

What to expect:

  • Please allow 1 hour for your exam. Most Exams take approximately 35-45 minutes. Please show up 15 minutes early to fill out MRI Safety Screening forms to fill out prior to your exam.
  • We have an extremity MRI machine meaning we can only do from the elbow down to the fingers and from the knee down to the toes. Therefore, you will be sitting or lying in a chair with your affected body part inside the machine.
  • MRI’s are very sensitive to movement so you will need to be very still during the whole exam.
  • You may bring a paper back book to read during your lower extremity exam. (You will not be able to read if we are scanning an upper extremity because your arm will be in the machine.)
  • The machine is quite noisy, feel free to bring some foam ear plugs if you would like.

What to wear:

  • Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing without excessive metals. Underwire bras are fine and jeans that have a metal button and zipper at the waist is fine. Please do not wear clothing that has any metal around the body part we are scanning.
  • Leave all jewelry at home or remove all jewelry prior to the scan
  • Empty pockets completely.
  • Cell phones are not permitted in the MRI room. If you bring your phone in please make sure that it is turned completely off.
  • Please don’t wear metal hair pieces such as; bobby pins, clips, wigs with metals, etc…as these items may damage the machine or interfere with your scan
  • If you wear hearing aids or dentures held in place by a magnet, you may wear them to your appointment but we will remove them just before your exam.

If you have any implants please bring any information to include make and model number if you have it so we can make sure that it is MRI safe. You may call in advance if you have this information to find out if it is safe or not.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_xray

Downloadable Forms