Understand the diagnostic process for Joint Replacement and Arthroplasty. Learn about high-tech imaging, physical exams, and immunological blood work at Liv Hospital.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Diagnosis and Imaging
The journey toward a Joint Replacement begins with a comprehensive and meticulously structured diagnostic phase. Because pain in a limb can be referred from the spine or caused by systemic metabolic issues, a physical exam alone is rarely sufficient. When you visit a specialist at Liv Hospital, the process starts with a detailed medical history where the clinician asks about the duration, frequency, and triggers of your discomfort. The goal of this evaluation is to provide objective evidence of joint failure and to determine if an Arthroplasty is the most appropriate next step for your health.
The first line of diagnosis involves a hands-on assessment of the joint’s stability and range of motion.
These clinical signs provide the surgeon with a “map” of the functional failure. If the joint “catches” or causes sharp pain during these maneuvers, it is a strong indicator that internal structures are severely compromised, making a Joint Replacement a serious consideration.
X-rays are the foundational imaging tool for any Joint Replacement evaluation. They provide a clear view of the relationship between the bones.
At Liv Hospital, we use digital X-ray technology to ensure the highest resolution images with minimal radiation exposure. These images allow us to categorize the severity of the arthritis and help in the initial planning of the Arthroplasty.
While X-rays show the bone, an MRI is essential for viewing the “hidden” soft tissues. This is especially important in the context of immunology and systemic inflammation.
An MRI provides the clinical team with a visual blueprint, ensuring that the Joint Replacement addresses not just the bone but also the health of the surrounding biological environment.
In complex cases, especially those involving previous surgeries or unusual anatomy, a CT scan may be recommended.
This high-tech imaging is a hallmark of the precision care at Liv Hospital, ensuring that every Arthroplasty is tailored specifically to the patient’s unique skeletal structure.
Because Joint Replacement involves placing a foreign material into the body, blood work is a vital part of the evaluation.
Treating the immune system is often just as important as the surgery itself. If your body is in a state of high systemic inflammation, we may work to stabilize your immune response before proceeding with an Arthroplasty.
In some clinical cases, a diagnostic injection is used to confirm that the pain is definitely originating from within the joint.
This functional test ensures that a Joint Replacement will actually solve the patient’s problem, preventing unnecessary procedures and focusing care where it is most needed.
Diagnostic ultrasound is a dynamic tool that allows clinicians to see the joint in motion.
This non-invasive tool is excellent for a quick bedside assessment and helps the team at Liv Hospital decide which higher-level scans are necessary to complete the diagnostic picture for a Joint Replacement.
Before a Joint Replacement, it is vital to know the strength of the “foundation.” A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density.
At Liv Hospital, we prioritize long-term success. If bone density is low, we may initiate medical treatment to strengthen the bone before or during your Arthroplasty journey.
The end goal of the diagnostic phase is to reach a clear and confident management plan. Once all tests are completed—physical exam, imaging, and labs—your specialist will sit down with you to review the findings. At Liv Hospital, we believe in a transparent diagnostic process where you are an active participant in your care. If you are struggling with unresolved joint pain, reach out to us today for a comprehensive evaluation to secure your physical and visual future.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
If your surgeon uses a robotic assistant, the CT scan is used to build a 3D map of your knee. This allows the robot to know exactly where your bone is during surgery, ensuring the cuts are precise and the implant fits perfectly.
Yes. If a cortisone shot relieves your pain, even temporarily, it confirms that the pain is coming from inflammation inside that specific joint. It acts as both a treatment and a diagnostic test.
We treat people, not X-rays. If you have severe arthritis on X-ray but function well and have little pain, surgery is generally not recommended. Surgery is for pain relief and quality of life, not just to fix a picture.
Standard MRIs cannot see well around metal implants due to artifacts. However, specialized metal suppression MRIs (MARS) can see fluid or tissue reactions around an implant, helping to diagnose loosening or soft tissue issues.
The nerves that supply the hip and leg come from the lower back. Arthritis in the spine (stenosis) can pinch these nerves and cause pain that feels like it is in the hip or thigh. This is called “referred pain.”
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