Medical Imaging (X-Ray & MRI)

In order to provide the best orthopedic care for our patients, Orthopedic Specialists offers world-class medical imaging services at four of our Iowa orthopedic centers. We offer the latest imaging tools, technology, and expertise to our patients for a wide range of medical imaging needs.

Orthopedic Specialists understands that high-quality orthopedic treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. We ensure that our orthopedic doctors and orthopedic surgeons have the best diagnostic imaging technology available today. Our locations feature cutting-edge digital X-ray machines and MRI machines so our physicians can diagnose your problem quickly and accurately.

How Medical Imagining Helps Us Diagnose Our Patients

Digital X-Rays

X-rays are a wonderful tool that doctors worldwide have used for decades to diagnose diseases and injuries in patients. This time-tested diagnosis tool has advanced greatly in recent years. X-rays are now faster to process and provide clearer pictures of what is happening inside our bodies than ever before. High-resolution x-rays give our orthopedic experts the information to diagnose various problems such as broken bones, joint damage, sprained joints, and old injuries that have healed improperly.

MRI Scans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a much newer technology than X-rays and is able to see into the body in ways older imaging machines never could. Using powerful magnets to create a strong magnetic field, these machines generate detailed images of our issues and organs. Our orthopedic doctors and sports medicine physicians use MRI images to identify injuries including torn ligaments, torn muscles, tendon damage, and more in our patients.

The First Step In Creating The Best Treatment For You

Using the results of X-ray and MRI imaging, our orthopedic specialists will craft a customized treatment plan specific to your medical diagnosis. Our doctors will explore possible surgical and non-surgical treatment options such as joint replacement surgery, medical braces, custom orthotics, and physical therapy to give you the best treatment and recovery outcome. Using these same medical imaging technologies, our orthopedic surgeons and doctors will gauge your progress following orthopedic surgery or therapy sessions with our highly trained physical therapy specialists.

What You Need For Your Medical Imaging Appointment

• Bring your doctor’s order and your insurance card with you to your appointment.

• If an X-ray or MRI has previously been taken, please bring the films with you to your appointment.

• If you are unable to bring your previous films with you, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

• You will be asked to change from your clothes into a medical gown that we provide.

• Please remove all metal objects from your body, including watches, jewelry, keys, wallets, purses, cell phones, and pagers. Lockers are available to secure your belongings.

• If you think you are claustrophobic, talk to your doctor about possibly taking a mild sedation before your MRI exam. If you plan on taking a mild sedative, please bring a family member or friend to drive you home.

• Please note that during your MRI exam, you may be wearing earplugs or headphones, as the MRI machine makes noises.