Imaging

Digital X-Ray

Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another modern diagnostic imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike CT scans, MRI works without radiation. The MRI tool uses magnetic fields and a sophisticated computer to take high-resolution pictures of your bones and soft tissues. Tell your doctor if you have implants, metal clips, or other metal objects in your body before you undergo an MRI scan.

You lie as motionless as possible on a table that slides into the tube-shaped MRI scanner. The MRI creates a magnetic field around you and then pulses radio waves to the area of your body to be pictured. The radio waves cause your tissues to resonate.

A computer records the rate at which your body's various parts (tendons, ligaments, nerves, etc.) give off these vibrations, and translates the data into a detailed, two-dimensional picture. You will not feel any pain while undergoing an MRI.

An MRI may help your doctor to diagnose your torn knee ligaments and cartilage, torn rotator cuffs, herniated disks, hip and pelvic problems, and other problems. An MRI may take 30 to 90 minutes.

Ultrasound

An orthopaedist who suspects that you have a blockage in the blood vessels of your legs or arms may prescribe an ultrasound test. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that echo off the body. This creates a picture of the blood vessels. The Doppler audio system transmits the "swishing" sound of the blood flow. This is a noninvasive test that has no side effects.

A clear jelly is applied to the skin over the blood vessels being tested. The technician uses a sensor that looks like a microphone. The sensor is placed against the skin and moved up and down across the area being tested. The technician will apply pressure every few inches to see if the blood vessels change their shape. The test takes about 30 minutes, and most people experience no pain or discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have already had imaging done at another facility?

If you have had imaging done at a different facility, please bring a disk copy with the report to your OACT appointment. If imaging was done at any of the following, OACT does not require a disk.

Austin Radiological Association
Austin Regional Clinic
Cedar Park Regional Medical Center
Preferred Imaging
River Ranch Radiology
Seton

How do I schedule imaging at OACT?

All imaging scheduled at OACT must be done during your office visit with an OACT healthcare provider. No imaging will be scheduled at OACT offices before your appointment and without a referral from an OACT physician.

How do I receive my imaging results from OACT?

Your X-ray results from OACT will be available during your appointment with an OACT healthcare provider. All MRI results will be reviewed with your OACT physician during a follow-up appointment.

How can I get a copy of my imaging from OACT?

Please click here for instructions to order an imaging disk.