Imaging

At Watauga Orthopaedics, we use advanced equipment to diagnose your injury or condition. That includes state-of-the-art technology.

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses a magnetic field and a sophisticated computer system to give reliable and detailed images of the body. In orthopedics, we use MRI for high quality images of soft tissue areas such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Our MRI machine produces very clear images of the extremities, including the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, foot, and ankle.

MRI can help provide information for a fast and accurate diagnosis and possibly reduce the need for exploratory surgery or other diagnostic procedures.

By offering the most comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine care in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia, we can get you on the road to recovery and back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Nerve Test/EMG

What is the Purpose of a Nerve Test/EMG?

The purpose of a nerve test/EMG is to evaluate if there is nerve damage present. If a provider suggests or refers you for a nerve test, they either think you have nerve damage and want to know where the problem is and the extent of the damage, or they are wanting to be able to rule out nerve damage so they can focus treatment on other sources of your symptoms.

What Happens During the Test?

Before the tests begin, a history of symptoms will be taken and then a physical exam will be performed to assess reflexes, sensation, strength, and some additional tests.

The test is comprised of two different portions. The first is the nerve conduction study (NCS). It involves electrical stimulations, administered by the provider, along with sensors on the skin that record the nerve and muscle response to the electrical stimulation. This is to assess how fast the nerve is travelling as well as how well the nerve is functioning.

The second part of the test is the electromyography (EMG). This portion of the test involves a tiny needle, about the size of an acupuncture needle, inserted into the muscle that is used to assess the electrical activity of the muscles and assess for nerve damage. Nothing is injected into you and blood is not being drawn during this.

These two tests allow the provider to assess if there is new or old nerve damage present, as well as the location of where the nerve damage is coming from. If you have any questions or concerns about the test, please do not hesitate to ask your provider before or during the test.

How to Prepare for it?

To prepare for the tests,  here are the things that you should do as well as things you should avoid.

Things to Do:

• Wear loose clothing, especially on the body parts that were ordered for testing.
• Take your normally prescribed medication unless it includes muscle relaxants and Mestinon (often used for Myasthenia Gravis).
• Get permission for EMG needles from oncologist if you’ve had a past lymph node removal (often associated with breast cancer treatment).

Things to Avoid:

• Avoid applying any lotions, creams, Vaseline, or oils to your skin on the day of the test.
• Minimize jewelry that is worn on the hands, wrist, and forearm- rings, bracelets, etc.