MEDLink » Diagnostic Tests » Orthopedic Diagnostic

	Appointment Requests By Medical Specialty By Physician
	Specialty Service Requests Medicare Set-Aside Life Care Plan Consent to Release Forms (PDF)
	Resources + Education Physician List and CVs Physician Office Directions Onsite Medical + MSA Seminars Physician CEs for QME Reference Tools
	About About MEDLink Message from the President Contact Us
	Login MEDLink Physician Login

Diagnostic Tests » Orthopedic Diagnostic

Spinal X-Rays	This test only shows bone abnormalities. Of little value for disc or subtle bone injury. Also called Plain Films.
Computerized Axial Tomography (CT Scan)	This is a sophisticated x-ray system which can produce three dimensional pictures of the spine.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)	This system does not use harmful x-rays and is 90-95% accurate in producing findings for soft tissue conditions such as herniated discs of the spine and/or joint abnormalities.
Myelogram	Radioactive dye is injected into the cauda equina sac under x-ray.
Bone Scan	Radioactive dye is injected then x-rayed. Increased uptake of the dye occurs in bone tumors, bones with recent fracture or in active arthritis.
Discogram	Radioactive Dye is injected into the cervical or lumbar intervertebral disc, then x-rayed. This test is used to confirm if degenerative disc disease seen on MRI scan causes back or neck pain.
Arthrogram	Radioactive dye is injected into a joint, such as the shoulder and is most commonly used to diagnose rotator cuff tears.