Making an accurate diagnosis is critical for selecting appropriate
treatment and tailoring therapy to the needs of a patient. However,
diagnosing spine-related conditions can be challenging and demands
specialized expertise.
The Spine Center offers highly trained and skilled spine specialists who
focus exclusively on evaluation and treatment of problems in the back,
neck, and spine, allowing them to pinpoint the exact cause—or causes—of
pain or other symptoms. EVERY PATIENT seen at the Spine
Center is evaluated by the Center’s spine surgeon, Dr.
Scott Rushton.
To schedule an appointment at the Spine Center, call 610.642.3005.
Instructions for new patients are available here.
Diagnostic Tests
As a component of Lankenau Medical Center, the Spine Center has access
to a variety of diagnostic tests that may be needed to make an accurate
diagnosis and to design a treatment plan. Specialized tests available to
patients seen at the Spine Center include:
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
MRI scans use a large magnet and radio waves to look at
structures in and around the spine. Computed
tomography (CT) scan. CT scans use x-ray
technology to create cross-sectional pictures of the
structures in and around the spine. Bone scan.
A bone scan uses a special scanner and a small amount of
injected radioactive material. The test is used to
locate a problem (tumor, infection, tiny fracture) in a
bone that may be the cause of pain.
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Myelogram. A myelogram uses x-ray
technology and a special dye. The test is used to help
find problems with the spine, spinal cord, or
surrounding structures, including a herniated (bulging)
disk, and tumor.
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Discogram. A discogram uses x-ray
technology and a special dye. The test is used to help
determine whether a specific disk in the spine is the
source of pain or other symptoms.
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Electromyography/nerve conduction study.
This test uses tiny electrodes that are inserted into
muscle to help diagnose a cause of pain, weakness, or
numbness and to help pinpoint a source of nerve or
muscle irritation.
-
Diagnostic spinal injections involve
injection of a medication into a part of the spine to
help diagnose the source of back or neck pain. The
injections are done with the help of an x-ray to ensure
the medication is correctly placed.
Conditions
Spine Center specialists provide evaluation and treatment of all
spine-related conditions, including acute and chronic diseases,
degenerative disorders, deformities, injuries, infections, and tumors.
Following is a list of the most common disorders treated:
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Spinal stenosis
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Sciatica
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Herniated disk
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Spondylolisthesis
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Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy
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Radiculopathy
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Degenerative disk disease
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Spinal deformities
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Scoliosis
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Spinal injury, fracture, or dislocation
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Spinal infection, including osteomyelitis
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Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
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Spinal tumor
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Failed back syndrome
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Compression fracture
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Kyphosis
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Cauda equina syndrome
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Arthritis associated with severe pain or joint damage
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