MRI

Although open MRI machines are available, they do not provide the doctor with  the best possible quality films.  You are encouraged to have the MRI done in a closed unit if at all possible.  Options for sedation are available if necessary.  

If you have any metal or surgical clips in your body or a pacemaker, then you need to mention this to the MRI facility while making your appointment.  Allergies, particularly to shellfish or iodine, should also be discussed while making the appointment, especially if a contrast agent will be given for the exam.

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What is an MRI?

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.  This is a noninvasive diagnostic scanning technique that provides information on the body without the use of x-ray or the injection of radioactive substances.

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What do I need to do before the MRI?

Metal will disturb the signals needed to produce a medically useful image.  You should remove all metal objects such as jewelry, hair clips, bridges, credit cards, etc. prior to the procedure. No other special preparation is needed.

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What should I expect during the procedure?

You will need to remain motionless during the study.  You will lie on a scanning table that will be moved into the magnet.  The magnet is open on both ends and allows air and light inside.  During the exam there is nothing special to do but to lie down and relax.  Any movement causes artifact on the scan.  You may hear a thumping noise during this procedure that means the imager is working.  This procedure can take from 30 minutes to one hour.  Some discomfort may be felt in teeth containing metal fillings.

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What do I need to do following the procedure? 

There is no post-procedure care required for this procedure.

Bone Scan

What is a bone scan? 

A nuclear bone scan is a diagnostic exam used to detect or rule out damage to bone caused by disease, injury or infection.  The bone scan is much more sensitive than a plain x-ray and it can detect bone damage months before an ordinary x-ray film and it can detect small, difficult to find fractures.  Bone scans can help provide valuable information in the evaluation of patients with trauma, unexplained pain, or to help determine the age of a fracture.

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How do I prepare for the procedure? 

No special preparation is necessary.  Your routine medication may be taken unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

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What happens during the procedure? 

A specially trained technologist performs the test.  The tech injects a trace amount of radioactive agent into your vein.  This may cause slight discomfort.  The patient is encouraged to drink plenty of fluid.  You will need to wait 2-3 hours after the material is injected so the material can travel thru your blood stream into the bone.  While waiting remember to drink as much fluid as possible.  The quality of the pictures depends on how much you drink.

Once time for the scan, you will lie flat and as still as possible on the table while a special camera is placed near your body.  The camera detects any radioactivity or "hot spots" in various parts of your bone.  In certain conditions of the bone the material is taken up more actively.  An increased uptake of dye is abnormal and can represent a tumor, arthritis, fracture, degenerative bone, etc. Images will be taken of your entire skeletal system.  The camera is manually moved above and below the body.

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How long will the test take?

Allow yourself a good 6 hours for the test.  Once completed you may resume your normal activities.

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Are there any side effects from having the test done? 

The test is very safe and without complications.  There is some minor discomfort when the needle is inserted into the vein.  Otherwise the test is painless.  The body excretes the radioactive substance within 6-24 hrs.  Drinking liquids will aid in the excretion of the radioactive substance.

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EMG

Your doctor may order an EMG test for you.  The test can be done here at the Christiana Spine Center.

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What is an EMG? 

EMG stands for Electromyography.  This is a electrodiagnostic test that can study your nerves and muscles.  You will lay on an examining table and a needle recording electrode will be placed into skeletal muscle.  You may have some discomfort during needle placement.  The electrode will be able to monitor the electrical activity of a skeletal muscle.  The recordings will be displayed as electrical waveform.  You will be asked to try to relax your muscles during the test and at certain times you may be asked to contract certain muscles.

Nerve conduction studies will also be included in the test.  During this part of the test needles are not used.  A small electrical current will be applied to various nerves at one site and the response is recorded at another site.  This may cause a mild tingling feeling.  The machine will be able to tell how fast the nerves conduct the current and if there are any problems with the nerves.

By examining the electrical activity your doctor will be able to tell if the muscles or nerves that go into these muscles are in any way abnormal.  There is no lasting pain or side effects from having this test done.

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What will an EMG be able to tell my doctor?

An EMG will be able to tell the doctor if there is any abnormal nerve function.  This may help to find out the cause of your pain.  The nerve conduction test tells how signals travel across the nerve.  This helps to isolate the cause of abnormal function.

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Is there any preparation for an EMG?

Inform your doctor if you are using a TENS unit, taking blood thinners, or have a cardiac pacemaker.  Do not apply any lotion the day of the test.  You may want to limit stimulants like coffee, tea, cola, cigarettes for 2-3 hours before the test.