imaging technology,
and an in-house radi-
ologist to help them
get the picture.
The 2 MRIs and
the CT scanner
installed in the prac-
tice let them assess
traumatic injuries
and determine
whether to treat the patient conservatively (with physical therapy, for
example) or aggressively (with surgery). While broken bones are easi-
ly detected through X-rays, hairline fractures and such soft tissue
injuries as muscle tears or tendon damage aren't likely to show up.
Diagnostic imaging can locate the source of unseen pain. To add to
the clinical efficiency, the MRIs are programmed for orthopedic set-
tings, which are different than those used for examining organs at a
multi-specialty hospital, so preparing for the scan takes no time at all.
On the ASC side, a portable digital X-ray with wireless detector plates
is able to roll in wherever the patient is and provide a diagnostic snap-
shot before treatment as well as confirmation afterward. Mini C-arms
provide real-time fluoroscopic imaging of extremities and smaller bones
to check for proper alignment during fracture treatment, while full-size
C-arms, often used for aftercare evaluation, deliver images as high in
quality as the digital X-ray. Even ultrasound imaging plays a role: It's
practically a standard of care for anesthesia providers placing regional
blocks for musculoskeletal fixes.
Not every case is going to use each of these imaging modalities, but
when you need one of them, you need it. To provide quality orthopedic
trauma care, you need all of them, and having them all under one roof,
5 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6
• IMAGING, IMMEDIATELY Having the technology to accurately diagnose injuries on site saves valuable treatment time.
The
San
Antonio
Orthopedic
Group
