Some might seek out an MRI as a way of getting ahead of their procedure, but that’s not exactly necessary. In some cases, it’s not even needed. Even if an MRI is required before your surgery, your surgeon might prefer an in-house diagnostic for full control over the images they need. This guide explains why it’s better to meet with an orthopaedic surgeon before getting an MRI for accuracy and efficiency.
Schedule your consultation appointment with Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay and receive a custom treatment plan for your surgery in Riverview. We’re a full-service ambulatory center with on-site diagnostics.
An Average First-Visit Diagnostic
We utilize a full range of diagnostic tools, equipment, and techniques to evaluate every patient seeking orthopaedic surgery in Riverview:
1. Our orthopaedic surgeons will begin with a physical exam to gain a basic understanding of your symptoms and condition. This is how we determine which imaging methods would yield the best results.
2. Digital X-rays are a typical starting point for detecting any signs of bone fractures, misalignment, or arthritis. There is a chance that a simple X-ray will reveal everything that the surgeon needs to proceed.
Getting an MRI before your diagnostic appointment could be a waste of time and money in situations where a basic diagnosis is sufficient or where the MRI images don’t align with what the surgeon requires.
Common Uses For MRIs In Orthopaedics
MRIs are typically required before orthopaedic surgery in Riverview in these common scenarios:
1. You’ve sustained soft tissue damage, such as cartilage, tendon, or ligament tears. For instance, an orthopaedic surgeon may require an MRI scan prior to ACL surgery.
2. Your orthopaedic surgeon requires a more detailed layout of the injured site before for improved accuracy during your procedure. This is often a crucial step in pre-surgical planning.
3. Other non-surgical methods, like physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication, have failed to improve your condition.
Soft Tissue Damage Assessments With MRIs
Standard digital X-rays are incapable of providing enough information to treat underlying soft tissue damage. An MRI is a better choice for providing clear images of ligaments, muscles, and tendons to support orthopaedic surgery in Riverview for soft tissue injuries and conditions.
Orthopaedic surgeons may prefer MRIs for:
- Detecting tissue composition
- Procuring enhanced details
- Emitting zero radiation
Pre-Surgery Planning With MRIs
MRIs are typically the best option for pre-surgical planning regarding tissue damage treatment in Riverview.
Benefits for pre-op planning include:
- Defining the range of abnormal tissue
- Protecting or circumventing vital organs
- Mapping out guidelines for precise incisions
- Reducing the chances of unexpected obstructions
Learn more about our general pre-op instructions provided by our team at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay.
| Are MRIs Harmful?
People often worry about radiation exposure during diagnostic imaging. MRI scans do not emit radiation during operation, providing a stress-free method of diagnostics for patients needing orthopaedic surgery in Riverview. |
Schedule Your First Diagnostic In Riverview With Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay
Book a consultation to meet our surgeons and receive diagnostic screenings for your upcoming surgery. Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay proudly serves the Riverview community at our Fishhawk office located just a few short miles away. Call (813) 684-BONE (2663) for more details on how we handle MRI scans.
