Diagnostic Imaging

Midwest Orthopaedic Center’s in-house imaging services include:

• • Digital X-ray –– provides larger, clearer images and is available at our Peoria and Pekin locations
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) –– offers detailed scans of muscles, tendons and ligaments and is available at our Peoria location
  • Fluoroscopy –– visualizes parts of the body while they are in motion and is available at our Peoria location

PACS –– our Picture Archiving Communication System –– is a database that allows us to quickly obtain diagnostic images from hospitals and other facilities. This platform provides an on-demand distribution of reports and diagnostics, helping doctors throughout our network communicate and keep tabs on your physical health. Through PACS, your referring physician and other specialists will know what your orthopaedic condition is and can plan treatments for other health concerns accordingly.

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a tried and proven process that safely generates a detailed picture of bones, joints, muscles and other internal body parts. This procedure uses a magnetic field and radio waves, and it does not expose you to harmful radiation.

As part of the MRI process, you’ll be asked to lie on a flat bed that is then moved into a cylindrical scanner. While the MRI machine scans your body, you can talk to the technologist who’s overseeing the process, but you will be asked to remain still during this time. After all, any movement can impact the quality of the images. This shouldn’t be too difficult as it only takes a few minutes to capture each scan. Following 20 to 30 minutes, the procedure will be completed.

In an MRI with contrast, your radiologist will inject a solution –– a dye referred to as a “contrast agent” –– in your arm. The contrast agent highlights certain parts of your body to aid your doctor in their diagnosis. Don’t worry, you’ll only feel a slight pinch from the injection.

After the procedure, you can return to your normal activities without delay. If your MRI required a contrast, your body will expel the dye naturally over the next two days.

You can eat and drink normally and take any prescription medication you need prior to your MRI appointment. Wear comfortable clothing, such as a sweatsuit without metal attachments, like zippers and buckles. If necessary, our office can provide a gown.

Please do not wear the following:

• • Clothes with metal attachments
  • Zippers
  • Buckles
  • Jewelry
  • Hairpins
  • Hearing aids

Please tell the technologist if you have any of the following:

• • Metal plates, pins, screws or surgical staples
  • A prosthetic hip
  • An implanted port
  • An intrauterine device (IUD)

Although these items will not eliminate your eligibility for an MRI, it is important that you make your technologist aware of these or any other health issues.

To maximize your personal comfort, you can bring someone to sit nearby and talk with you while you’re undergoing the procedure. You may not, however, be accompanied by any companion who has a pacemaker, aneurysm clip or is pregnant. With these conditions, the MRI could have an impact on their health.

We use a quieter and faster machine with a shorter tunnel, to make this procedure easier and more comfortable for our patients. If you think anxiety might keep you from remaining still during your MRI, you can ask your physician to prescribe a sedative beforehand. Don’t worry, this is a common request.