You've just had a bad fall and are worried that you might have sprained your ankle. Now, your sore knee is flaring up. Could the pain in your wrist be a hairline fracture?

At Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC), we have the diagnostic tools to identify your injury and get you on the path to treatment and recovery.

Our radiology department offers a complete line of diagnostic tests to assess your skeletal and muscular health. "You don't have to drive into Philadelphia or go far from home to get the quality care you need," says Peter Wang Jr., MD, orthopedic surgeon at CMMC. "We've got some of the most advanced equipment available to diagnose orthopedic injuries and disorders, including bone abnormalities, joint dislocations and ruptured disks."

Getting a Better Look
Orthopedic injuries can be painful. If you are suffering from a recent fall or other accident, do not delay. Your physician may ask you to undergo one of the following noninvasive and painless diagnostic tests:

• X-ray Imaging -- Small amounts of radiation are passed through the body to create X-ray images on film. Acute injuries of the skeletal structure, including bone fractures and joint dislocations, may be diagnosed with the aid of these images.
• Ultrasound Sonography -- High-frequency sound waves create detailed images of the bones and soft tissue. Through this technology, soft-tissue injuries (like torn ligaments and blood clots) that are secondary to broken bones may be identified. Suspected tissue abnormalities, such as cysts or other masses, are also viewed.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning -- An accelerated form of traditional X-ray, CT scanning acquires multiple X-ray images from many different angles. A computer assembles the images to create cross-sectional pictures, or "slices," of the body. Physicians can view 3-D images of the bones and detect tiny hairline fractures not recognizable through X-ray.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) -- Like ultrasound, MRI gives physicians a glimpse of the body's soft tissue network. By providing a more comprehensive view, MRI scanning identifies ligament, tendon or cartilage abnormalities and often detects tiny, precancerous tumors not recognizable through ultrasound. Injecting a contrast medium dye prior to testing also may produce a highlighted view of the joints, called an arthrogram.
• Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan -- For suspected fine, hairline fractures that are not evident on X-ray or ultrasound (called occult fractures), a bone scan is performed with contrast medium dye. This minimally invasive test also helps physicians view hidden tumors, bone and soft tissue infections, stress fractures and "shin splints" (torn muscle cartilage).

Peter Wang Jr., MD

Osteoporosis Putting You at Risk?
Because osteoporosis puts people at greater risk for fractures (by depleting bone density), your physician also may recommend you undergo a bone density scan with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry -- DEXA.

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, or declining bone mass, discuss with your physician ways of increasing your calcium intake. Having stronger bones means enduring fewer falls -- and enjoying a more active lifestyle.

T-L-C for Your K-N-E-E
Learn how to prevent knee injuries (and treat them if they do occur) so that you can remain active at work and play. Please log onto our Web site at www.IchooseCentralMontgomery.com. On the left side, click Health Information. Under Interactive Tools, click Quizzes. Then, go to Knee Care Quiz.

For more information on Imaging Services at CMMC, please call 215-361-4500.

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933