Additional Services
In addition to our physicians providing exceptional patient care, Sarasota Orthopedic Associates offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services to meet your needs. These include Digital X-Ray, MRI, Nerve Conduction Studies, EMG and Durable Medical Equipment.
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Sarasota Orthopedic Associates offers convenient, professional services at its Physical and Occupational Therapy Center. By forging a close, ongoing collaboration between our physicians and our therapists, SOA is able to provide superior care to our patients.
At our Physical and Occupational Therapy Center, teamwork is the key. Active members of the team include you, the therapist, your physician and your family. Our therapists consult with your physician to identify your greatest areas of need, then collectively set goals to meet those needs. The success of your recovery will depend directly on your level of participation both at our therapy center and at home.
SOA offers individual treatment plans to achieve your personal goals, restore physical, social and vocational function in order to return you to your previous level of activity safely and efficiently.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive imaging device used to diagnose abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system. These painless scans last no more than 40 minutes. This technology allows for quick and accurate evaluation of injuries of the upper and lower extremities including the knee, foot, ankle, hip, hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and spine. The MRI creates 3D, internal images that help diagnose a wide variety of problems such as torn knee ligaments and cartilage, and torn rotator cuffs.
Sarasota Orthopedic Associates offers convenient on-site MRI services not only to our patients, but also to people referred for an MRI from physicians other than SOA orthopedists. Our state-of-the-art, high field MRI provides exceptionally high quality images while providing comfort to our patients.
Digital X-Ray
Digital X-Ray
Digital x-ray uses ionizing radiation to produce all images. It directly captures the image to the computer for immediate viewing.
Digital x-rays have become an easy way for our orthopedists to obtain diagnostic information which aids in a quicker diagnosis of injuries to your bones and joints. They can also help guide procedures. Digital x-rays have become safer, more effective and can be copied to a CD to bring to other physicians, if needed.
Digital x-rays:
- Help determine whether a bone is dislocated or fractured
- Evaluate joint injuries
- Diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative conditions (i.e. arthritis and osteoporosis)
- Allow many images to be viewed immediately
- Reduce the need of repeating x-rays
Nerve Conduction Study / EMG
NCS & EMG
NCS and EMG are tests used to measure nerve and muscle function. In most cases the NCS is done first, with the EMG to follow.
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
A nerve conduction study depicts whether the body’s electrical signals are appropriately traveling to a nerve. Reasons to have a nerve conduction study include any/all of the following symptoms in your neck, arms, legs and/or back:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain
- Weakness
- Muscle cramping
- Twitching
This test is done to establish why you are having these symptoms and will help to find out if you have damage to your muscles or nerves. It is a simple test that applies small electrical shocks to the nerve, causing a mild, tingling feeling, and then records the nerve’s response. This is done by using a very low-voltage electrical current to stimulate the nerves for less than a split second each time. Immediately after the test is done, a report is generated with your results.
Electromyography (EMG)
Electromyography measures electrical activity in your muscles. Unlike the NCS, no electrical currents are applied. To assess the muscle function, a fine needle electrode is placed under your skin into the muscle being tested. The electrode on the needle picks up the electrical activity given off by your muscles and then generates a report with your results.
Durable Medical Equipment
Durable Medical Equipment
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is medical supplies and devices designed to assist in the treatment of various medical problems. It is frequently necessary for those who have musculoskeletal injuries or conditions to take advantage of this equipment. DME options are utilized in preventing injuries, treating chronic conditions, assisting in healing post-surgery or injury, coping with pain, and in rehabilitation management.
Our physicians have selected quality items to help improve everyday life for those dealing with orthopedic problems. For your convenience, many items are available on-site at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates:
- Ankle Braces
- Back Braces
- Cast / Post-Op Shoes
- Custom Orthotics
- Hand / Wrist Splints
- Knee Braces
- Shoulder Immobilizers
- Slings
For those devices that must be custom fit, SOA will arrange for a DME consultant to meet with you. Our goal is for you to return to work and regular activities of daily living more quickly with proper fit and use of your DME.
Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation
Sarasota Orthopedic Associates offers a comprehensive workers compensation program designed to help injured employees quickly return to their maximum medical improvement. Our knowledgeable physicians diagnose and treat work-related injuries with a complete understanding of the specific needs of workers compensation cases. Our specialists make sure all parties understand the patient status, results in treatments, as well as recommended next steps. They are also aware that it is necessary for reports to be filled out and provided in a timely manner to make certain the injured worker receives continued care in a swift manner. Due to the uniqueness of these cases, SOA has a dedicated workers compensation department to work closely with employers, adjustors and case managers to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly.
Second Opinions
As with all injuries, early diagnosis, treatment and close supervision results in earlier rehabilitation and a prompt return to the workplace. If a second opinion is required, our physicians will provide that service. They understand the importance of offering another point of view to reassure that the diagnosis is accurate and all treatment options have been considered.
Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)
Our specialists perform independent medical evaluations (IME) on patients whose orthopedic concern is the result of an automobile or occupational injury. These assessments include a thorough examination, review of applicable diagnostic testing, inspection of previous medical records and generation of a report. Additional x-rays may need to be taken, if considered necessary.
SOA’s experienced team guarantees top quality care and decades of expertise.