Specialized Imaging

Specialized Imaging

Sometimes x-ray studies, also called plain film radiographs, can be very beneficial in ruling out bony pathology or diseases, and for gaining valuable information about the structural integrity of the patient with a specific presentation.  This can help to design a treatment plan that will more specifically address findings not otherwise available and can also be very helpful in establishing a long-term prognosis, so that patients can have more information about the underlying cause(s) for their presentation, and how they can maximize the likelihood for long-term progress.  Additionally, corrective care plans can be designed, with objective information available for comparison, when this is appropriate.  Sometimes, images can also reveal findings that will indicate the need for a referral to another health-care specialist, so that appropriate steps can be taken, based on specific findings.
 
MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, is another specialized form of imaging study that utilizes large magnets, which polarize cells in the body and create outstanding, three-dimensional images not previously available.  With this kind of study, soft tissues can be visualized, which is not an option with plain film x-ray.  For example, the intervertebral disc can be seen on MRI, but not on x-ray (although it does show the disk space which can be valuable information).  As another example, a shoulder study could reveal a partially torn rotator cuff muscle on MRI, a finding not available with traditional plain film x-ray.  Another advantage of MRI is that no radiation is required.  For many patient presentations, this office orders upright/weight bearing studies because research demonstrates that much more information is typically available when patients are sitting or standing.  This is because gravitational compression loading on the spine accentuates structural changes in a way that often make them much more evident.
 
CT, computerized tomography, is another specialized form of imaging that utilizes radiation, typical for standard x-ray procedures, but that utilizes specialized software that provides a clinician with the three-dimensional structural information that would be unavailable with traditional x-ray. This is oftentimes ordered when there is a more specific concern about the potential presence for bony pathology or disease.
 
There is other specialized imaging tests used for many different clinical concerns, but the above examples illustrate those kinds of tests most frequently utilized initially for neuromusculoskeletal presentations.
 
References:
www.southernhealth.org.au/ imaging/mri_dh.htm