Radiology Services
Hughston Hospital combines advances in radiology with excellent services, and stays abreast of changes in techniques and technologies to provide the highest quality diagnostic evaluations. And, most beneficial of all, results are received within four hours or less, allowing a quicker diagnosis to you and your family.
Full Spectrum of Services
Click below to learn more about the procedure.
Convenience and Fast Results
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North Columbus Location
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Routine Same/Next Day Appointments
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Same Day Results
Referrals are welcome from all specialties for all types of radiology exams
Ask your family doctor to send you to Hughston Hospital next time you need radiology services.
To schedule an appointment, referred by your primary physician, call 706-494-2191
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Hughston Hospital has the largest and highest quality True Open, no tunnel, MRI in the area. The GE Signa OpenSpeed is the most advanced Open MRI system in the world. Its extraordinary capabilities provide an unprecedented spectrum of clinical applications up to three times faster than other Open MRIs. Plus, the OpenSpeed's comfortable, spacious design accomodates the needs of larger patients as well as those suffering from claustrophobia and anxiety. And, it's perfect for children. The parent can be in the room right at their side.
MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that utilized strong magnets to produces radiofrequency waves to produce detailed anatomical images. There are no known adverse side effects of MRI. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Patients with a history of claustrophobia are usually given an oral sedative which allows them to complete the MRI. When there is a history of prior lumbar spine surgery, intravenous paramagnetic contrast is used to distinguish scar tissue from the other soft tissues. MRI is superior to other imaging modalities in evaluating the soft tissue anatomy of the spine and in revealing high resolution of the disc, nerves, spinal canal, ligaments, joints and spinal musculature.
Patients with surgically implanted pacemakers, spinal cord stimulators, intrathecal pain pumps, artificial heart valves, intracranial aneurysm clips, and patients who have been employed as welders or grinders with the potential for metallic foreign bodies in their eyes are not able to withstand strong magnetic fields such as MRI. Patients with total hip or total knee prostheses can undergo an MRI. The MRI technologist will screen patients who might have risk factors which preclude safely undergoing an MRI study.
Arthrography
Arthrography is the radiographic examination of a joint after the injection of a dye-like contrast material and/or air to outline the soft tissue and joint structures on the images.
Arthrography is done most often to identify abnormalities associated with the shoulder, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Patients who undergo this procedure usually have complained of persistent, unexplained joint pain or discomfort. Arthrographic images may allow identification of problems with a joint's function or indicate a need for a joint replacement.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
Computed tomography (CT) utilizes radiation to create images of the anatomical area of 
interest. Similar to MRI, both cross sectional and sagittal images are possible. Non enhanced CT may be utilized in evaluating the spine in patients who cannot undergo an MRI or who have allergy to iodinated contrast. Intrathecally enhanced CT (following a myelogram) is especially helpful in visualizing the bony anatomy of the spine. This study is often performed in addition to an MRI to give a comprehensive evaluation of the spine.
CT is also useful in evaluating diseases and following trauma to the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis. CT is frequently obtained to study complex fractures of the spine, pelvis, long bones and joints.
Discography
Discography is an invasive procedure to study some of the physiologic characteristics of either the cervical or more commonly the lumbar disc. This procedure is performed under
fluoroscopic control in a radiology suite as an outpatient procedure. The procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete. Local anesthesia is used to anesthetize the needle entry points. When a normal disc is injected with either saline or radiographic contrast, the patient may experience a sensation of pressure or tightness in the lower back. When a disc is abnormal and the source of the patient’s low back pain, then disc injection will usually reproduce pain that is familiar to the patient and thus reminiscent of typical day to day pain. Discography may be followed by CT to further investigate the internal anatomy of the disc.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Ultrasound, or sonography, involves the sending of sound waves through the body. Those sound waves are reflected off the internal organs. The reflections are then interpreted by special instruments that subsequently create an image of anatomic parts. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging.
An ultrasound image is a useful way of examining the musculoskeletal system of the body to detect problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue. Ultrasound images are captured in real time, so they can often show movement, function and anatomy, as well as enable radiologists to diagnose a variety of conditions and assess damage after an injury or illness.
Ultrasound images can be useful in diagnosing tendon tears, such as tears of the rotator cuff in the shoulder or Achilles tendon in the ankle. Abnormalities of the muscles, such as tears and soft-tissue masses, can also be seen. Bleeding or other fluid collections within the muscles, bursae and joints can also be detected. Ultrasound has not proven useful in detecting whiplash injuries or other causes of back pain.
Myelogram
Myelography is an invasive procedure that is performed in a special radiological suite which requires placement of a small needle into the spinal canal to inject radiographic contrast to outline the contents of the spinal canal. This procedure is usually performed by a radiologist with the patient laying prone on a fluoroscopy table. The entire spine, cervical, thoracic and lumbar compartments can be visualized in a single myelographic evaluation. In most cases, myelography is followed computed tomography (CT) which takes advantage of the contrast inside the spine to give further visualization of the spinal anatomy.
Patients who have an allergic sensitivity to iodinated contrast agents may have to take medications to reduce the chance for an allergic reaction to the myelographic contrast. There are other medications such as some antidepressants, diabetic agents, and blood thinners such as coumadin and plavix which require special consideration before undergoing a myelogram. Your physician will review your medication history.
X-Rays (Conventional Radiographs)
Conventional radiographs are helpful to evaluate the overall conditional of the bony skeleton and can reveal congenital abnormalities, degenerative changes and post surgical alterations to the spine. The status of prior attempts to fuse the spine, instability, and the presence of metabolic conditions such as osteoporosis are readily assessed by plain radiographs.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine studies require intravenous injection of a radio-pharmaceutical agent which allows visualizing areas of blood flow and active metabolic regions primarily in the skeleton. Fractures, infections, bone tumors, degenerative disease and alterations to the blood supply to bones are often revealed by bone scanning.
Other applications of nuclear medicine include studies of the gall bladder, thyroid gland, liver and when evaluating for blood clots to the lung.
Learn more about Radiology Services at Doctors Hospital and at The Medical Center