One of the most informative and useful pregnancy monitoring tools is ultrasound, also known as a sonogram. 
This non-invasive procedure uses a plastic transducer to send high-frequency soundwaves to the pregnant woman’s uterus. These soundwaves are then transmitted back to a high-tech machine which converts them into images of the fetus.
When we use the old phrase declaring someone “needs to have his head examined,” we don’t usually think of the Radiology Department. However, if that phrase is meant literally, a facility, such as The Radiology Clinic, is the best possible place for an examination because of great advances made in regards to imaging the brain. While traditional x-rays give an overview of bony structures, CT and MRI are the modalities of choice when doctors need to see inside the head. There’s some overlap in what each method covers, but both produce excellent images and have practical application.
Radiologists utilize Computed Tomography (CT) scanning to look for signs of lung disease without cutting into the chest. Low dose CT scanning is a preventative measure that can catch pathology including lung cancer in the early stages. Doctors use this method to develop the right medical treatments for their patients. CT scanning has several uses and benefits for doctors who need to treat lung disorders.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (or RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that currently affects over one million Americans. This disease occurs when the body mistakenly attacks its own body tissues. This disease affects the lining of joints called the synovium. The disease often presents with painful joints. Over time, this can destroy cartilage and bone. It can also affect other body organs such as the heart, eyes, and the lungs. Physicians depend on radiology imaging procedures such as x-rays and MRIs to diagnose and monitor progression of this illness. These invaluable diagnostic tools are utilized in conjunction with blood tests to provide the safest, most effective treatments for patients.
Sciatica is a very common condition where a person experiences pain along the sciatic nerve. This pain can radiate from the lower back into the hips, buttocks, and legs. It is usually caused by a bone spur or herniated disc, and typically only affects one side of the body. For many, the pain from sciatica can be debilitating.
Imaging studies are usually needed to diagnose the cause of sciatic nerve pain. An MRI of the lumbar spine will show many causes of low back pain and sciatica, including disc herniations, facet arthritis, and lumbar spinal stenosis. Digital x-rays and CT scans may also be used to diagnose the cause of sciatica. Once the cause of the pain is identified, treatment options can be explored by your physician..
A stress fracture is a common sports injury caused by overuse. When the muscle becomes fatigued and is unable to absorb any more shock, it transfers the excess stress to the bone, causing a tiny crack. This tiny crack is the stress fracture.
Typically, stress fractures are overuse injuries that occur after the muscle around the bone is fatigued. But it can also be caused by the impact of an unfamiliar surface (going from dirt to concrete), improper equipment (running barefoot or in shoes that are worn or not appropriate for running), or increased physical stress (going from sedentary to running miles a day).
Though they can occur anywhere in the body, most occur in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot. More than half are in the lower leg. Studies have found stress fractures to be most common in athletes that participate in tennis, track and field, basketball, or gymnastics. It’s also been noted that female athletes tend to be more susceptible, possibly due to other factors that contribute to a decrease in bone mass, which causes an increase in her chances of sustaining a stress fracture.
Peripheral artery disease, also referred to as PAD, in the lower extremities can cause a lot of discomfort. Pain or cramping most likely occurs during periods of activity, even if you are doing something as simple as walking. For some individuals, this pain can occur even during periods of rest. Other symptoms of peripheral artery disease in the lower extremities might include discoloration of the skin or ulcers. While pain and discomfort generally tends to go away after a few minutes of rest, PAD should be properly diagnosed so that effective treatment may begin to prevent worsening of the situation.
You’re in pain, and it’s not going away. The sensation seems to be coming from your abdomen, but you’re just not sure what part is giving you trouble. Could it be gas? Is it something you ate that’s not agreeing with you? Once you’re in this situation, it’s important to rule out something serious and ultimately get you on the road to recovery. Abdominal pain can arise from many sources, many of which benign and will most likely pass. However, others can be life threatening, and obtaining reliable answers in a timely manner can save your life.
Some of the more serious conditions that can cause abdominal pain are appendicitis, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, and abscesses. Once you’re experiencing one of these conditions, time is of utmost importance to get into the best treatment protocol available, and accurately diagnosing the situation is the first step in that process. Luckily there are advanced diagnostic tools available to provide you with the best assessment of your circumstance. The Radiology Clinic in Rockville, Maryland, employs the latest imaging technologies. Fellowship trained board certified radiologists provide you with the best care, while treating you with respect, compassion, and understanding when you need it most. The Radiology Clinic team will answer your questions and provide you with accurate results. They will work efficiently while providing the best quality of service.
Peripheral artery disease is a common medical problem that primarily affects older individuals. If you smoke cigarettes or have diabetes mellitus, then you are more likely to develop this medical problem. There are approximately 3 million new cases of peripheral artery disease each year in the United States. This condition causes a reduction in the blood circulation in the limbs because the blood vessels have narrowed.
For sports injuries to patients of all ages, including those occurring with school sports, it is important to know that The Radiology Clinic’s board-certified and expert fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists can quickly provide and accurately interpret state-of-the-art multimodality medical diagnostic imaging using the latest technology such as 3T MRI, so that clinicians can diagnose and treat injuries appropriately and promptly.
