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Importance of x-Rays

Importance of x-Rays

Dr. Jeff Mollins, D.C.

Work Injury X-Rays | X-Ray Importance | Brooklyn | New York City (NYC)

Utilizing radiological studies is essential in the proper diagnosis and documentation of patients injured in accidents. They say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Dr. Mollins regularly refers his injured patients for general radiology (x-rays), as well as other radiological studies. Once an accurate diagnosis is determined, then Dr. Mollins can implement a comprehensive treatment regimen to enable his patients to achieve wellness as soon as possible.

General Radiology Standard X-Rays are extremely important in the diagnosis and documentation of patients injured in accidents. Anytime there is trauma to the body (which occurs in most accidents), there is always a distinct possibility that the injured patient has sustained a fracture and/or a bone dislocation. The best and most simple way to determine whether the injured patient has sustained either of these is to take an x-ray of the affected area. X-rays enable Dr. Mollins to visualize the skeletal system. If a fracture or dislocation is identified, then Dr. Mollins can refer his patient to the proper medical specialist (IE: orthopedist) so the patient may receive proper care. Remember, a fracture or dislocation that is undetected may have dire consequences. X-rays are also very important to visualize pathology in the skeletal system (disease process and/or arthritis). This enables Dr. Mollins to determine if the injury sustained is a direct result of the accident that occurred or if a pre-existing condition existed.

MRI Study-Dr Mollins regularly refers his injured patients for MRI’s. MRI examination of the spine shows the anatomy of the vertebrae that make up the spine as well as the discs, spinal cord, and the spaces between the vertebrae through which nerves pass. It is quite common for patients injured in accidents to sustain pinched nerves as a result of that accident. Standard x-rays only allow Dr. Mollins to visualize the disc space but not the actual disc. However, an MRI enables Dr. Mollins to observe the disc itself and whether that disc is pinching nerves exiting the spine. So MRI study is extremely useful to accurately document and diagnose a pinched nerve.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)-In many accidents (whether it is a work, slip and fall, automobile, or construction accident) mild to severe head trauma may occur. A potential result of head trauma may be a serious medical condition called traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI can have serious short and long term effects (memory loss, personality changes, and other neurological deficiencies) on patients. TBI must be diagnosed quickly and properly so that our patients can be treated as expeditiously as possible. In any accident where head trauma has occurred and Dr. Mollins suspects the possibility of traumatic brain injury, he will immediately refer for a specific radiological test called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). DTI can accurately diagnose whether traumatic brain injury has occurred and the extent of the condition.

Radiological studies are essential when treating patients injured in accidents. These studies enable Dr. Mollins to achieve a proper diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is determined, then Dr. Mollins can assess a proper treatment regimen. In addition, radiological studies provide proof of the injuries sustained. Remember, proper documentation of injuries can have a great impact on the monetary compensation received by patients injured on the job (workers compensation) and for patients involved in accidents where a lawsuit is involved.

Posted in: Blog, Physical Examinations