Diagnostic Imaging and Herniated Nucleus Pulposus - Research Paper Example

? Diagnostic Imaging and Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Diagnostic Imaging and Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Introduction Diagnostic Imaging is the technologies used by doctors to look inside a human body in order to look any medical condition clues. There are varieties of techniques and machines which can be used in the creation of activities and structures inside ones body (Armstrong, Wastie and Rockall, 2010). Types of diagnostic imaging include CT scans, X-rays, MRI scans, Ultrasound and nuclear medicine scans. Herniated Nucleus Pulposus is an abnormal protrusion of an organ or other body structures through a natural opening in a covering, bone, muscle or membrane. Herniated Nucleus Pulposus is therefore a condition in which all or part of the soft and gelatinous central position of intervertebral disks is forced to pass through a part of the disk which is weakened and this results in nerve root irritation and back pain. This medical situation may occur as a result of twisting, sudden lifting or a sudden fall. Herniated Nucleus Pulposus is a medical condition which pathologists can only be determined by the use Diagnostic Imaging body (Armstrong, Wastie and Rockall, 2010). The intervertebral disc forms the largest avascular structure in the human body and a longitudinal ligament attached the intervertebral discs to the vertebral bodies posteriorly and anteriorly. Herniated Nucleus Pulposus medical condition occurs frequently to those people who are involved in strenuous physical activities (Blackwell et.al, 2009). Most Herniated Nucleus Pulposus takes place in the lower back of the spine or the lumbar, and it is the major cause lower back pains in may people. A quick diagnostic imaging on the spine helps the pathologists to get an insight on how and why the herniation or movement took place. The vertebrae of the spinal cord are separated by disks which are filled with gelatinous and soft substance which provide human beings with cushioning to the spinal column. Any strain trauma may cause these disks to herniated or move out of their place. A physical examination is always required to diagnose herniated disk (Schwartzman, 2006). The neurological examination usually evaluates sensation, muscle reflexes and muscle strength and this sis because the spine will always show signs of reduced spinal curvature in the affected areas. Brandywine Hospital is the chosen entity. It is located in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Etiology, pathology and epidemiology of the entity Etiology is the study of the causes of diseases or cause of abnormal conditions. Pathology on the other hand is the diagnosis and study of diseases through the examination of body fluids, tissues, organs and other parts of the body commonly termed as autopsy (Schwartzman, 2006). Epidemiology is the study of the determinants of ill health and their distribution in the body and the application of the study in disease control and treatment. Brandywine Hospital offers several services which are used to determine the causes of Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. These services or imaging techniques include CT scan, X-ray, digital mammography, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, PET scans, Bone density testing as well as a special procedure or Angiography. These services include a series of medical tests which are performed on the particular patient to diagnose Herniated Nucleus Pulposus, its causes and how to treat this medical condition. The technique or technology used by the pathologist depends on the symptoms displayed by the patient on the part of the body which is being examined (Blackwell et.al, 2009). The overall management of individuals within the entity is at a good standing as the management understands the patients concerns and usually make sure that the patient is very comfortable when the tests are being run on him. The main goal of the hospital is to provide a quality experience to its patients (Reiser and Andrea, 2008). There are several factors which highly influence Herniated Nucleus Pulposus occurrence. Smoking for example is a risk factor in the lumbar disk herniations epidemiology and has in the past been documented as a factor which leads to a dramatic reduction in oxygen tension in the avascular disk (Schwartzman, 2006). Herniation of the lumbar disk may also be as a result of chronic coughing and other stresses which occur in the disk. People like the truck drives also have additional risk of suffering from Herniated Nucleus Pulposus; a spinal problem which occurs from lifting of heavy materials during unloading and loading which usually occur after a long period of driving. Imaging techniques used in Brandywine Hospital 1. CT scan CT is an abbreviation for Computed Tomography and can be sometimes referred to as “CAT Scan”. In this imaging technique, the pathologist at the Brandywine Hospital is able to obtain very fine details within the patient’s body (Schwartzman, 2006). During this scan, the patient lies still on a table after which the table is passed slowly through the X-ray machine. This test is painless and is used to determine broken bones in the human vertebrae. 2. X-ray The hospital uses X-rays to diagnose joint dislocations, fractures and other medical conditions. With X-rays, the hospital is bale to determine the main cause of Herniated Nucleus Pulposus condition to the affected patient. With the X-ray technology, electromagnetic radiation is used to produce images (Reiser and Andrea, 2008). These images are then recorded in a film termed as a radiograph. Those body parts which appear dark or light as a result of different rates that the patient’s tissues absorb the X-rays. Calcium found in the bones usually absorbs most of the X-rays, and this makes bones appear whitish on the radiograph. Soft issues absorb fewer X-rays. This technique is painless, cheap and very fast. 3. MRI MRI means the Magnetic Resonance Imaging and makes use of very strong magnetic filed in the creation of images in the patient’s body without using radiation. This imaging technique is used by the hospital pathologists to image different body parts like shoulders, ankles and knees in order to determine the causes of any medical condition in those body parts (Reiser and Andrea, 2008). The imaging technique is also used in imaging the spinal cord to check for any bulging disks which may be the cause of Herniated Nucleus Pulposus in the patient. The MRI test is used in confirming the location of herniated disk in the spine and to determine the affected nerves. The physical therapist should ask the client to say whether she is pregnant, has any medical objected fitted in her body or any electronic object in her body like cardiac pacemaker. If this information is provided, the physical therapist should provide enough advice to the patient after which the patient will make her own clinical decisions. 4. Ultrasound Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves in parts like pelvis and hips to determine any abnormality and its causes. During the ultra sound test, the pathologist usually moves a transducer over the stated part of the body (Reiser and Andrea, 2008). The transducer sends sound waves which then bounce to the tissues inside the patient’s body and captures the waves which get to bounce back. Images are then created by these sound waves which help the pathologist to determine the medical condition facing the patient and the causes. 5. PET scans The hospital also employs the use of PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography) which records all the metabolic activities of the patient as opposed to organs and structures. This imaging technology is able to detect any physiological and chemical changes which are associated with the medical condition at an earlier stage than any other imaging technology. 6. Bone density testing The pathologists of Brandywine Hospital use this imaging technique which is also referred to as DEXA scan or densitometry in order to determine if the patient has osteoporosis or if he or she is at a risk of osteoporosis before nay bones are broken (Reiser and Andrea, 2008). If this is determined, then it becomes quite easy for the doctors to treat the patient suffering from Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. 7. Angiography or special procedure This imaging technology uses minimal invasive medical test which help the physicians to diagnose and treat Herniated Nucleus Pulposus medical condition. It is important for the physical therapist to give the patient enough information about the imaging technique to be used and the possible consequences, advantages and disadvantages of each of the technologies in order for the patient to make his or her decision. Any clinical decision made by the client is very critical and should therefore be guided appropriately by the pathologist. Images of X-rays, CT, MRI on Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Source: http://images.rheumatology.org/viewphoto.php?albumId=75691&imageId=2862397 The above is an X-ray performed on a patient suffering from Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. The description of the X-ray indicate a large defect of the thecal sac which has a cut off of the never root at the L4-5 Level. Source: http://images.rheumatology.org/viewphoto.php?albumId=75691&imageId=2862390 The above is a MRI carried out at the neck of a patient suffering from Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. The MRI indicates a large protruded arrow or disc at the midline which compresses the thecal sac at C5-6. Source: http://www.goldbamboo.com/pictures-t9675.html The above image is an axial CT scan of a patient suffering from Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. The state of access/use of these data by physical therapists Physical therapists and pathologists have been conducting research in order to determine the relationship which exists between the image findings, functional outcome of patients with Herniated Nucleus Pulposus and therapy. It is quite impressive on the state of access and the use of data by a physical therapist. Data collected from different hospitals indicate that the majority or all of their therapists use these data and incorporate them in decision making. The therapists also use data collected from different diagnosis carried out in their respective hospitals to aid in decision making (Blackwell et.al, 2009). Physical therapists usually collect data during longitudinal and multi center. The therapists then use multivariate regression as a way of determining the relationship between functional outcome, therapy and image findings. For example, a study conducted by a Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, indicated that that advanced diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the treatment of those patients suffering from Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. The future use of ordering imaging by physical therapists The future of ordering for imaging equipments require the physical therapists to order highly advance and multi-modality outpatient imaging equipments which are in line with the current technology. The equipments to be ordered should guarantee the therapists of a high level of accuracy for all the out patients diagnostic imaging needs. There has been an increase in the number of Herniated Nucleus Pulposus reported cases in the last 30 years and these calls for improved imaging equipments in order to enhance excellence of the hospitals. The physical therapists should seek for a state of the art diagnostic equipments for the diagnostic imaging in order to ensure all patients are attended to at the shortest time possible to avoid adverse effects of the Herniated Nucleus Pulposus. The future of ordering diagnostic imaging equipment should be aimed at the provision of outstanding customer service and quality imaging (Schwartzman, 2006). The methods used in measuring the degree of stenosis in the spine continue to evolve with the evolution of imaging technologies. This calls for introduction of high technology imaging equipments in order to meet the increasing needs. Conclusion Different techniques have been employed in the past to determine the occurrence of Herniated Nucleus Pulposus which is a medical condition and to determine the causes. These techniques have proved to be efficient and reliable. However, there is the need to be in touch with the changing technology and this calls for hospitals to embrace technology when ordering for diagnostic equipments in future (Schwartzman, 2006). The techniques used should enhance the patient experience in that it should the patients comfortable and with a positive experience. It is highly recommended for all physical therapists to undertake or to conduct research in order to determine the relationship between Herniated Nucleus Pulposus and different causes. The research will also help them to determine the occurrence of the medical condition and hence make a decision on how to be prepared for a future occurrence of similar medical conditions. References Armstrong P, Wastie M, and Rockall A.G., (2010). Diagnostic Imaging. John Wiley & Sons Levine H, (2010). Medical Imaging. ABC-CLIO Joyce C, Saad N, Kruger P, Foot C and Blackwell N, (2009). Diagnostic Imaging in Critical Care: A Problem Based Approach. Elsevier Australia Postacchini F, (1999). Lumbar Disc Herniation. Springer Brant E.W, and Helms.C, (2012). Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Phillips M.F and Lauryssen C.D, (2010). The Lumbar intervertebral disc. Thieme Haher T and Merola A, (2003). Surgical Techniques for the Spine. Thieme Schwartzman R.J., (2006). 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