The best management for arthritis first identifies what type of arthritis it is and then its stage. By doing this, joint damage and disability may be prevented.

In evaluating patients, different imaging tools are used. Routine x-rays are not very helpful because they do not show early changes of disease.

David R. Mandel, M.D. is one of the few rheumatologists in Northeast Ohio who use both musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI to make a more accurate and early diagnosis of arthritis. He has also been involved in teaching his colleagues in the use of these new techniques.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound has been used for many years in examining many areas of the body such as the gallbladder or the circulation for blood clots. Ultrasound is very useful in examining inflammation around joints as well. Common types of arthritis like Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid ,Gout and Pseudo gout can be easily seen. This has been shown to improve the physician’s skills of examining joints that may not detect early changes.

The ultrasound can help better achieve the ability to remove fluid when the doctor aspirates a joint. We precisely know where the tip of the needle needs to be and can place it there.

The applications of ultrasound in rheumatology are expanding in many areas to examine other structures such as tendons, bursa, and ligaments because it is safe and very accurate.

The use of Ultrasound has enabled the rheumatologist to provide treatment better and earlier which can prevent joint damage.

DXA

Bone mineral density (BMD) test uses a special machine [DEXA] to measure your bone density to see if you are at risk for osteoporosis. The test lets you know the health of your bones and the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone, including your hip, spine, forearm, wrist, finger, or heel. The test is safe and painless.

Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) is a new, patient-friendly diagnostic tool on DXA bone densitometry equipment that detects unknown vertebral fractures. Dr. Mandel is already utilizing this new tool that will soon become the new standard in osteoporosis testing.

Our BMD technologist, Ms .Pat Scott is certified in performing these studies .She is one of the countries highly skilled and trained technicians .She has been doing this for over 15 years, and has performed over 20,000 scans - check with Pat.

Click here for more information