Thomas Jefferson University Hospital located in Center City Philadelphia is one of only six hospitals in the country to currently implement the newest MRI an "extremity MRI." This new machine is primarily used on the limbs and does not require patients to enter a confined space. The extremity such as the arm or the leg is the only part of the body placed in the machine leaving patients free from the feeling of claustrophobia. With the patient free to interact and less nervous doctors are noticing that less movement is taking place allowing for the highest quality image.
This MRI is one of the most powerful diagnostic tests a doctor can use to examine patients, especially a soft tissue injury. Unfortunately most patients are hesitate to enter the MRI machine and when inside fidget around due to feelings of claustrophobia. Patients must lie completely still for the best quality MRI and for many patients that requires sedation. Open MRI machines where the patient is not completely enclosed are an alternate but due to a lower magnetic field images are not as powerful and diagnosis can become more problematic.
Regrettably many patients do not receive MRIs and suffer serious medical injuries as a result. Our Philadelphia Medical Malpractice firm has handled hundreds of cases where tests are not administered properly or in a timely matter and the end result is harm to patients. As technology advances it is our hope that this trend is reversed patients can receive accurate and timely diagnosis.
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Action News Profiles Girl Helped by "Extremity MRI"
