It is estimated that about 23% of American adults suffer from arthritis, a disease that can create joint inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness, locking and weakness. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition caused by injury and overuse from constant repetitive actions and simple aging, leaving insufficient cartilage to protect and cushion joints. The lack of cushioning and lubrication can cause joint pain that ranges from annoying to debilitating. Arthritis can make people become less active, which only worsens joint problems, as the muscles stiffen and weaken and provide inadequate support to vulnerable joints. Lack of exercise can also lead to weight gain, which can put more pressure on knee and hip joints, as well as those of and around the feet. And, of course, physical inactivity can lead to a host of other health problems, making arthritis more than just a painful condition, but also a potential threat to overall wellness.
RAO’s Board Certified musculoskeletal subspecializing radiologists have years of extra medical training and experience in the evaluation of arthritic conditions, enabling them to collaborate with referring clinicians to create an accurate diagnosis. “An autoimmune-related arthritic condition like rheumatoid arthritis requires different treatment from one caused by injury or overuse,” says musculoskeletal subspecialist Dr. Edson Cortes. “Once we know for sure what type of arthritis we’re dealing with, we can work with a patient’s medical provider to determine the best course of treatment that will provide the most relief.”
Using the most advanced diagnostic technologies in the industry, including x-ray, CT and MRI, the RAO radiological team is able to diagnose the type, cause and exact location of arthritis. RAO maintains ongoing accreditation in key diagnostic services from the American College of Radiology, for an extra measure of safety and accuracy. For example, RAO is a local leader in MRI technology, an extraordinary diagnostic tool that utilizes a magnetic field and radio frequencies to send data to a computer, where it is compiled into highly detailed images of joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons to provide comprehensive information about the source of pain and immobility. “With MRI, we can gather comprehensive data about the spine, shoulders, knees, hips, neck, elbows and other joints, and study these structures for problems such as a lack of cartilage, poor alignment, narrowing of joint spaces, bone spurs and other disease and dysfunction,” says Dr. John Boon.
MRI’s superior ability to capture details of bones and soft tissues makes it a preferred test when assessing MSK diseases like arthritis. “MRI can enable us to diagnose the type of arthritis and any compounding issues earlier than other tests,” says Dr. Ryan Tompkins. “Having all the information as quickly as possible promotes the best possible treatment and relief. And MRI produces no ionizing radiation, which we and many patients feel good about.”
Whether arthritis is a new problem or has been plaguing a person for years, an accurate diagnosis can help determine the right course of action, which can include oral and/or injected medication, physical therapy, changes in diet and exercise, interventional treatments like facet joint injections, and, in more serious cases, joint fusion surgery or joint replacement.
As part of early diagnosis and paving the way to prevention of problems, RAO’s Women’s Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center offer DEXA bone densitometry, a quick, noninvasive scan that uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to create pictures of the bones of the lumbar spine and hips to monitor bone loss. Though this service is offered at Women’s Imaging Center, DEXA is by no means for women only. “As many as one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis,” says WIC Medical Director Dr. Amanda Aulls. “About 80,000 men break a hip each year, and men are more likely than women to have the break result in death within the following year, making early osteoporosis detection a true lifesaver.”
“Arthritis doesn’t have to limit your enjoyment of life,” says Dr. Brian Cartwright. “There are solutions and treatments that can restore movement, activity and vitality. And moving in the right direction begins with a correct diagnosis. It can make all the difference in the world.”
For more information about MSK diagnostic testing, call RAO at 352.671.4300.
