Institute for Orthopaedic Imaging (IOI)

The Institute for Orthopaedic Imaging at Northside Hospital offers patients a comprehensive range of musculoskeletal imaging services. The Institute provides state-of-the-art imaging for all muscular soft-tissue and bone conditions by our dedicated team of imaging and patient care specialists. Our team of highly qualified musculoskeletal radiologists and neuroradiologists is dedicated to personalized service and high-quality imaging and interpretation.

Services

• Diagnostic X-Ray - X ray exams includes a wide range of diagnostic procedures used to evaluate internal structures of the body. X-ray technology today is more commonly referred as general radiography. Among many uses, general radiography exams are frequently used to evaluate bone structure, broken bones, and skeletal bone health.
• Arthrography - Injection of dye into a joint, such as the shoulder, elbow or wrist, to evaluate for tears of tendons, ligaments or cartilage. Commonly combined with tomography, CT or MRI (see below). Injection is performed with local anesthesia and typically takes 10-15 minutes.
• Myelography - Injection of x-ray dye into the spinal canal using local anesthesia to evaluate nerve compression most commonly for "slipped disc." Typically combined with CT. Requires approximately 60 minutes for myelogram with CT and four hours of monitored recovery time.
• Tomography - An x-ray technique used to detail complex bone anatomy, typically following a fracture and/or surgery. Excellent for evaluation of metallic surgical hardware. Occasionally combined with arthrography. Procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injections - Imaging-guided diagnostic and therapeutic injections typically involve a localized injection of an anesthetic and/or steroid into a joint such as the hip or facet. May be combined with CT or fluoroscopy. Requires 10-15 minutes per injection. Discography - Injection of dye into a disc space of the spine for imaging and diagnosis. Typically combined with CT. Requires 10-15 minutes per disc injection. Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan - Intravenous injection of radioactive material that localizes in the bone. A scan requiring about 30 minutes is usually performed three hours following injection. Imaging Directed Biopsy, Aspiration or Drainage - Typically performed with CT support. Requires pre-procedure nursing assistance and blood test assessment. Intravenous sedation combined with local anesthesia requires monitoring by specialized nurse; post-procedure, short-stay recovery also monitored. Total time depends on condition and treatment; patient must have no food or liquids after midnight prior to procedure.