X-Ray and Imaging - Midwest Orthopaedic Center

X-Ray and Imaging

We have three x-ray suites and a DEXA bone scan suite at Midwest Orthopaedic Center. Our x-ray system utilizes direct radiography (DR) that provides a film-less environment. This allows us to burn images to CD for doctor or patient use. We also utilize the picture archiving communication system (PACS) that allows us to obtain x-rays from local and national hospitals using PACS. Doctors can send emails within PACS to collaborate with each other over long distances.

A DEXA bone scan is available for patients meeting specific criteria at their doctor's recommendation. This scan allows doctors to assess a patient's bone condition and effect for patients at risk for osteoporosis.

A technologist takes a moment to set up a scan in one of our three x-ray suites. While closely integrated, the four total imaging suites are very private.

The DEXA bone scan suite is tightly integrated into our x-ray and imaging department. Here, a technologist sets up a patient scan, and explains the procedure to the patient's guest. Midwest Orthopaedic Center feels it is very important to take every opportunity to properly educate our patients and their accompanying guests as to our procedures and practices.

What is radiography?

Radiography is the use of certain types of electromagnetic radiation—usually ionizing—to view objects. The use of non-ionizing radiations (visible light and ultraviolet light) to view objects is best viewed as a normal “optical” method (e.g., light microscope). The modification of an object through the use of ionizing radiation is not radiography. Depending on the nature of the object and the intended outcome, it can be radiotherapy, food irradiation, or radiation processing.

What is DEXA?

Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).

An x-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips. Portable DEXA devices, including some that use ultrasound waves rather than x-rays, measure the wrist, fingers or heel and are sometimes used for screening purposes.

Information obtained from radiologyinfo.org