Magnetic Resonance Imaging, commonly referred to as MRI, provides an extraordinary look inside the human body. Unlike other techniques, MRI uses no x-rays or radiation, but rather combines the naturally occurring force of a magnetic field with radio waves to produce signals that are reconstructed on a digital computer. MRI generates highly detailed, cross-sectional images of soft-tissue structures near and around bones, blood vessels, organs and the brain. This...

A computed axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan uses X-rays and a sophisticated computer to view specific details of the body’s anatomy. However, unlike traditional X-ray where the radiation beam comes from a stationary source, a CAT scan is created by rotation of the X-ray beam in a circle around the patient to obtain a cross-sectional image. Additionally, multidector spiral CAT scans allow high-definition, 3-D imaging to permit greater visualization of blood...

Ultrasound is a safe, painless diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to see specific areas within the body. It uses the same echo-locating principles of sonar technology employed for decades by ships at sea. Sound waves directed into the body produce echoing waves as they bounce against the internal fluids of the human body. The echoes are captured and reconstructed by a sophisticated computer software into live images on the computer...

Nuclear Medicine is a safe and painless imaging technique used often to help physicians diagnose illness. It is a special branch of radiology that provides a picture of the body’s systems in action. Are the key organ systems working the way they should? Is brain activity normal? Is the digestive system working properly? Is chronic pain the result of a tiny bone fracture too small to detect? Nuclear Medicine answers these questions and more with the help of...

Digital mammography uses essentially the same mammography system as conventional mammography, but the system is equipped with a digital receptor and a computer instead of a film cassette. One of the most recent advances in x-ray mammography is digital mammography. Digital (computerized) mammography is similar to standard mammography in that x-rays are used to produce detailed images of the breast. Several studies have demonstrated that digital mammography is at...

Bone density scan also frequently called a DEXA or bone mineral density exam, is an important procedure in the evaluation of bone health. The technology uses a dedicated machine designed specifically for this purpose. It is a quick, simple and painless exam that uses x-rays and highly sophisticated software to measure bone loss. BMD is our best defense in the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Often called the silent disease, osteoporosis robs the body...

Digital fluoroscopy is a form of x-ray that allows us to view deep structures of the body in real time. It provides very detailed images of function and structure of areas like the intestines, the bladder, the cardiac muscle and stomach. Unlike regular x-ray which records the image to film, digital fluoroscopy records a series of images to a computer. Once digitized, we can view the area being examined in real time on a computer monitor. Why Would I Need a...

X-ray is the oldest and most familiar procedure, it shows a 2 dimensional image of a part of the body most commonly of the chest, bones, spine and abdomen. It uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film or digital media. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs,...