SPECIALTY SERVICES

Open-Sided Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Neurometrics
Bone Density Testing
Digital X-Ray

Open-Sided Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is a sophisticated diagnostic technique that produces high-resolution images without the use of radiation. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to image bone and other soft tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, muscles, fat and tendons in the extremities.

At the Center for Specialty Care, our MRI is an "open-sided" scanner. Patient comfort is greatly enhanced when compared to the traditional "closed" tunnel-like system. Patient claustrophobia and anxiety are decreased, but diagnostic accuracy is not lost.

Our MRI department has a fully trained staff to assist you and make you feel comfortable. Warm blankets are available upon request as well as your favorite music to listen to while the exam is taking place. We assure your comfort and take time to answer all your questions.

Neurometrics

Nerve conduction studies are the best diagnostic tool for the assessment of neuropathies, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Neurodiagnostic testing is also useful in the evaluation of back pain or sciatica, helping to determine the presence of nerve root involvement in cases of lumbosacral radiculopathy and lumbar spinal stenosis.

CSC offers neurometrics in Fairmont and Blue Earth clinics. The latest equipment is used by our trained staff in order to assess nerve damage and pain to create the best treatment plan for the patient.

Bone Density Testing

Osteoporosis is a disease that results in "thining" of bones, leading to a loss of bone strength and increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.5 million fractures annually. The most common fractures are in the wrist, spine, and hip.

Testing for bone mineral density (BMD) can detect osteoporosis. The test provides information to determine the extent of bone and mineral loss. DXA testing is considered the most accurate way to predict the risk of fracture because bone mineral loss and fracture risk are often found together.

The Center for Specialty Care offers stat-of-the-art bone density testing with our new DXA scanner. DXA screening is non-invasive and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Our staff is certified by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. With early detection, osteoporosis can be diagnosed and treated before fractures occur.

Digital X-Rays

What is a Digital X-ray and how are they produced?

X-ray is invisible electromagnetic energy beams and computers to produce images of bones, internal tissue and organs on film. X-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing fractures. When an x-ray is taken the beams pass through soft tissues to the bones.

1. The patient is carefully positioned for the xrays. This could be sitting, standing or lying on the xray table. We carefully position the patients correct body part in line with the collimator and the film.
2. A lead apron is placed to over the patient to protect them from getting a exposure to their reproductive organs.
3. The x-ray beam is then focused on the area to be x-rayed.
4. The patient must try to hold completely still to produce the x-ray, any movement will cause the x-ray to become blurred.
5. The cassette is placed in the developer and is reviewed by the Xray tech to make sure they have everything that is needed on the xray.
6. The x-rays are then pushed out to the view station where the provider can view them.
7. The x-rays are interpreted by our providers who report on them to the patient.

What is the difference between the Digital Xray and the old way of developing x-rays?

• With Digital x-ray the developer does all the processing, unloads and reloads the cassettes for you. With the old x-rays you had to unload the cassette and process them with chemicals and then reload them which takes a lot more time.
• With Digital X-ray we are able to view the images with in 1-2 minutes of taking them. X-rays are ready for the provider to view by the time patient is back to their exam room, this saves our patients time. With the old developing system it could take up to ½ hour to develop a series of xrays.
• With Digital we have fewer retakes, we have the ability to lighten or darken images for better viewing, this also means less exposure for the patient. With the old processing we would have to retake the xray.
• With Digital we have the ability at the view station to magnify & invert images which helps to diagnose fractures better. With old xrays some fractures can be missed because they are not seen.

As you can see with Digital x-ray there are fewer changes of a injury being missed and it is also a lot more efficient for the clinic and especially our patients.

Bones are our business and we care about your health.

If you have questions about CSC services, call us at 1-507-238-4949.