X-rays are a way of producing detailed images of the inside of your body, such as your bones and joints. They use a type of radiation that passes through your body and gets absorbed by different types of tissue to form pictures of the body. X-rays are painless however they carry a very small risk due to your exposure to radiation.
Ultrasound (USS) uses high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of our bodies. Unlike X-rays, USS does not involve the use of radiation and is usually a safe, painless and quick imaging test. USS is a live, real-time scan where both static and dynamic images or videos can be produced.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans essentially use a magnetic field and radio frequency energy to help produce detailed images of the insides of your body. The scanner is a large tube that surrounds your entire body, with newer-scanners available that allow more space inside.
Diagnostic injections can help your doctor to pinpoint the exact source of your pain. They complement scans like X-rays, MRI and CT scans which provide detailed imaging of joints and the surrounding soft tissues. Arthrogram injections essentially involve injecting contrast dye into symptomatic joints usually under X-ray or Ultrasound guidance.
A CT (computerised tomography) scan uses ionising radiation which passes through your body to create multiple, detailed images of the insides of your body. You lie on a table which passes through the CT scanner in a matter of seconds, and produces cross-sectional images which can then be used to reformat images in multiple planes.
If you already have a diagnosis – whether you’re a patient or a clinician – a second opinion can provide valuable reassurance and confirmation before you go ahead with treatment. Dr Basu is frequently asked to provide a second opinion thanks to his experience and expertise.
