Advanced Diagnostics for Pediatric Orthopaedic Injuries

At the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, we take an in-depth, personalized approach to evaluating children with a wide range of orthopaedic injuries, disfigurements and more. Using the most advanced diagnostic equipment and techniques, we evaluate the bones, joints and muscles to uncover the underlying cause of your child’s discomfort, instability and mobility issues.

Our care team will perform imaging studies and procedures including:

X-ray

For pediatric orthopaedic patients, x-rays can be used to diagnose fractures, misalignments in joints and bones, soft tissue problems and other painful conditions. X-rays can be performed in our office at the time of your visit, allowing us to expediently diagnose orthopaedic injuries, conditions or deformities and develop a treatment plan.

Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan

CTs are a quick, painless scan that creates a 3D image replica of your child’s bones and joints to provide us with an accurate look at any problems in a child’s knee, foot, ankle, hand, wrist or elbow.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

A pediatric orthopaedic MRI will provide 3D imaging that allows us to examine bones, joints, tendons, muscles and tissues to detect any abnormalities. An MRI will allow us to identify if your children have a tumor, infection, abnormality and more.

Bone scans

With a bone scan, we use a small amount radioactive medication that allows us to see where in the bone we can detect cancer, inflammation, damage, infection or other issues with your child’s bone. This lets us know exactly where and how we need to treat your child.

Ultrasound

A radiation-free test, ultrasound is ideal for injuries and conditions that are closer to the skin, such as tendons or muscles. Ultrasound is also a useful tool in young patients to avoid radiation exposure awhile still providing is with a clear visual of structures not visible on x-rays.

Nerve studies

Nerve studies use electromyography (EMG) to identify orthopaedic issues by sending signals between nerves and the brain that track the movements in the body. This motion can tell us where in the body there are nerve issues.