Connectivity with Iain Duncan

The Thyroid Gland

Thyroid Disease in Australia At least 2% of Australian have known disorders of thyroid gland (500,000 people). The true number is almost certainly higher and is more prevalent in certain regions, depending often on iodine intake. The number of older Australian that suffer from a clinically relevant thyroid disorder is much higher at 14% with […]

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

Patient Information This treatment involves the collection of your blood (approximately 12 ml) which is then spun down using a centrifuge to separate out the plasma and platelet portion using the ‘separator gel’ as a special filter. The PRP portion of your blood is then injected back into the injury. The product injected is 100% […]

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

Patient Information Platelet rich plasma injections / treatment involves the collection of your blood (approximately 8 ml) which is then spun down using a centrifuge to separate out the plasma and platelet portion using the ‘separator gel’ as a special filter. The PRP portion of your blood is then injected back into the injury. The product […]

Information links for patients and practitioners

The following pdf files/booklets are free to download for your personal use: About Myocardial (heart) scans Ankle Anatomy Elbow Anatomy Hip Anatomy Knee Anatomy Shoulder Anatomy Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow) Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow) Achilles Tendinopathy Plantar fasciitis Morton’s Neuroma and intermetatarsal bursitis Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Posterior tibial tendon problems (progressive flat feet). Peroneal tendon problems […]

Myocardial Perfusion Scan

WHAT IS IT? A myocardial perfusion scan is a test to evaluate blood flow and contraction of your heart muscle. A radioactive material called a radio-tracer is injected through a vein into your bloodstream. The radio-tracer then locates in your heart muscle in proportion to the amount of coronary blood flow. The radio-tracer produces gamma […]

SPECT gamma Camera

What is nuclear medicine?

Nuclear medicine encompasses the use of medical radioisotopes to image various parts or systems in the human body. It involves injecting tiny amounts of “radiotracers” into the body to assess  the functions of various organs or body systems. It is most commonly used to assess the boney skeleton, the heart, thyroid and kidneys.  Unlike x-rays or […]

Tendinopathy

WHAT IS TENDINOPATHY?

Tendinopathy is a term used for painful conditions occurring in and around tendons in response to injury and/or overuse and ageing. The natural course of symptoms is variable but most ultimately resolve (even if the tendon appearance on scans does not). Generally the length of symptoms varies according to age and severity.  A recent study suggested the median length of symptoms was 14 months. The incidence of symptoms in sedentary people is highest in middle age though at particular sites (lateral hips and shoulders) the incidence is greater with increasing age.

Achilles tendon swelling with micro-vascular change

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Ultrasound can confirm or rule out the diagnosis but the presence of tendinopathy on ultrasound does not necessarily indicate whether it is the cause of your symptoms.  The relationship between symptoms and the scan findings is determined by a clinician who combines the clinical history, examination findings, and all test and scan results. The incidence of asymptomatic tendinopathy also increases with age (i.e. many patients have scan findings of tendinopathy but no real symptoms).

A (well performed) ultrasound or MRI scan will determine whether there are significant tendon tears, inflammation, bursitis, or other nearby soft tissue pathology. It can broadly categorise the type of tendinopathy which usually helps in determining treatment options.

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Nuclear Medicine for Dummies

Indication Scan Comments Arthritis & joint symptoms Bone scan Helps assess distribution, activity and extent Back and neck pain Bone scan Useful in determining whether focal abnormalities are present (facet joint arthritis, fractures) or to determine the level and location of symptoms Bile leak or obstruction HIDA scan Biliary disease HIDA scan This scan detects […]