Orthopedic tests and imaging

Orthopedic specialists at Ascension St. Vincent’s use advanced imaging to diagnose bone, joint, muscle and spine conditions.

Advanced imaging and testing for personalized orthopedic care

Imaging and diagnostic tests help your care team better understand orthopedic conditions, including joint damage, fractures, nerve compression, soft tissue injuries, and changes affecting movement or mobility.

Whether you’re experiencing new pain, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking preventive care, our specialists work closely with your primary care doctor to support early diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan centered on your needs and well-being.

A bone density scan measures the strength and thickness of your bones. This test  (which used to be known as a DEXA scan or DEXA test) helps diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis and can assess your risk for fractures or bone loss.

A CT scan creates detailed images of the brain and spine in a short amount of time. CT scans are often used in urgent situations to help evaluate injuries or other immediate concerns.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. This test helps evaluate soft tissue injuries, inflammation, fluid buildup and movement-related conditions.

Electromyography tests measure signals between your nerves and muscles to help identify the cause of symptoms like numbness, tingling or weakness. They provide helpful insight into nerve-related conditions.

Gait and movement evaluation studies how you walk and move to identify balance issues, joint problems, muscle weakness or movement abnormalities. These analyses can help guide rehabilitation and treatment planning.

MRI uses advanced imaging technology to create detailed pictures of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and the spine. Orthopedic specialists commonly use MRI to diagnose soft tissue injuries, joint conditions and spinal disorders.

Functional testing evaluates strength, flexibility, balance and movement patterns after injury or surgery. These assessments help guide rehabilitation and support a safe return to activity or sports participation.

X-rays are one of the most commonly used orthopedic imaging tests. They provide detailed images of bones and joints to help diagnose fractures, arthritis, joint alignment issues and other musculoskeletal conditions.

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