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Diagnostic Testing

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Diagnostic testing machine. MRI Accredited Facility logo

In order to provide the most personal and comprehensive medical care possible, Twin Lakes Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine utilizes a variety of diagnostic tools. For your convenience, both MRI and X-ray services are available at Twin Lakes Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.

Siemens MAGNETOM Espree MRI Now at Twin Lakes Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is performed onsite at Twin Lakes Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. This non-hospital setting offers many advantages, including cost effectiveness and convenience. To ensure the best quality MRI testing and diagnostic information, our MRI was upgraded to a Siemens Magnetom Espree 1.5 Tesla MRI in October of 2019.

Advanced imaging with 18 channel TIM Technology results in acquiring higher resolution images and shorter scan times for the patient. Additional features provide a larger number of available scans, such as wrists, hands and feet, that can be performed using lighter weight coils, in the clinic setting, that previously had to be performed elsewhere.

Lighted with softer tones and equipped with the largest inner bore available at 70cm makes CT-like comfort possible in an MRI scanner. The scanner is remarkably shorter at 125cm and enables a large percentage of head-out or feet-first exams. There is 30cm of space above the patient's face, about twice that of a traditional, vertical-field open magnet. These features result in patients having a less anxious, less claustrophobic and more comfortable MRI experience.

MRI testing augments other diagnostic procedures such as X-ray, bone scans, CAT scans, muscle activity and nerve conduction tests. The MRI is often used to evaluate ankle, foot, shoulder, knee, hip, and wrist injuries as well as providing measurements for building your customized total knee replacement.  The MRI can be extremely helpful in locating minute injuries. Images made using the MRI are quickly transmitted and reviewed by Board Certified Radiologists who then send the report to Twin Lakes Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine for use in your care. You will be billed by the radiologist for that service.

What should you expect on your MRI exam day?

  • No special preparations are required prior to your exam. You may eat and drink normally, although it is best to limit your caffeine intake. Women should also refrain from wearing eye shadow or mascara.
  • After you've changed into a gown and removed all jewelry and metal objects, you will be asked to lie down on the scanning table, usually on your back. The table will then slowly move into the system.
  • An MRI coil may be placed around the part of the body to be scanned. This acts as an antenna. The closer it is to the area of interest on your body, the better it receives your signal and the better the image quality of your exam.
  • The MRI requires a cool environment and produces sounds that may be annoying to some patients. Our technician will offer a blanket and headphones for your comfort.
  • During the scan, you will hear a rapid tapping sound from inside the scanner and it will vary in rhythm. This is normal and means the scanner is acquiring your image. Just like when taking a photograph, to get the best images, you should lie as still as possible when you hear the tapping sound.
  • MRI scans do not use any x-rays or other types of potentially harmful radiation. Immediately following the scan, you may resume your normal activities.

Twin Lakes Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine's helpful staff is committed to making your visit with us comfortable and enjoyable.