Medical Testing

Our Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Team has one main goal: meeting your needs.

• X-Ray
• MRI
• EMG

X-Ray

X-rays are images that use small doses of ionizing radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body called radiographs.

Most X-rays don’t require any special preparation. The doctor may ask you to take off jewelry, eyeglasses or any metal objects or clothing that could get in the way of the image. Doctors can take images while you stand up or lie down. It depends on the area of your body being examined. The X-ray tube hangs over the table and the film is in a drawer under the table.

The machine sends a beam of radiation through your body. Your hard, dense bones block that beam so they show up as white on the film below you. The radiation also goes through softer tissue like muscle and fat which appear in shades of gray in the X-ray. The air in your lungs will look black in the image. You won’t feel anything during an X-ray but it can be hard to hold still. The technician may take images from a few different angles using pillows or sandbags to prop up a body part to get a better view of the area.

Your orthopedic provider will review your x-rays on a computer screen within minutes of them being taken and then go over the results with you.

MRI

A magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) is used to diagnose a disease or injury by using powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer. These are used to create a detailed picture of the body without using radiation. An MRI can also be used to see how well a patient is responding to treatment.

MRIs can be taken on any part of the body. An MRI of the brain and spinal cord is used to show blood vessel damage, brain injury, cancer, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and strokes. Bone and joint MRIs are used to discover bone infections, cancer, damage to joints, and disc problems in the spine.

MRIs can be taken on any part of the body. Bone and joint MRIs are used to discover bone infections, cancer, damage to joints and disc problems in the spine.

When preparing for an MRI let your doctor know if you have any health problems or recently have had surgery. Metal is not allowed in a room where an MRI takes place. If you have a metal-based device such as an artificial heart valve, body piercing or metal joints or limbs tell your doctor before the test begins. Some ink may contain metal so make certain to talk with your doctor if you have tattoos. Before going into the MRI room remove your cell phone, coins, dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, keys and watch.

When you are ready for the MRI you will lie on a table that slides in and out of the MRI machine. During the MRI your body must be completely still; straps may be used to help keep you motionless. While in the machine you may hear a loud thumping or tapping sound; this is the machine creating energy to take pictures.

EMG

EMG/NCS testing can be performed at Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, PA and will be scheduled at check-out once your provider orders the test.

An Electromyogram (EMG) is an electrical test for the muscles and nerves. There are two types of EMG tests: Nerve Conduction Studies and Needle Examination. These tests can be done in-office and take on average between 30 minutes to two hours depending on the extensiveness of the test. A physician may order an EMG for a patient who is having problems with their muscles or nerves.

During an EMG, you will lie on the examination table beside the EMG machine which looks similar to a desktop or laptop. The Nerve Conduction Study is the first part of the EMG testing. The physician will begin by attaching small recording electrodes to the surface of a limb and touching other points of skin to deliver electrode shocks. During this part short electrical shocks will be administered to your arm or leg indicating the speed at which your nerves are conducting electrical current. This will provide information about the state of health or disease your nerves may be in.

The second part of an EMG includes a needle examination where a needle is inserted into a relaxed muscle to record muscle activity