Mayo Orthopedics upgrades imaging system

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Mayo Orthopedics has upgraded its medical imaging technology with the installation of a new, Philips diagnostic x-ray system at its Dwelley Avenue office in Dover-Foxcroft.

    The capital investment of $101,000 allows the orthopedic practice to discontinue the use of film, replacing film images with ones stored in a PACS (picture archiving and communications) computer system. The filmless images are viewed with a cassette reader, and provide higher quality and easier access for Mayo Orthopedics providers.
    While most physician practices operated by Mayo Regional Hospital rely exclusively on medical imaging services provided by the hospital’s Radiology Department, Mayo Orthopedics has long offered in-house x-ray capabilities as a convenience for patients. Many orthopedic patients have mobility issues as a result of their medical condition, requiring wheelchairs or crutches to move around. Enabling patients to be examined by an orthopedic specialist, and to have an imaging study completed at the same location, provides a higher standard of care.
    The new Philips system replaces much older Mayo Orthopedic x-ray equipment, components of which date back to the former Mayo Memorial Hospital, which became Mayo Regional in 1978. While still functional, that equipment had to be replaced because film and parts are no longer available.
    The upgraded imaging technology features an adjustable table top that makes patient transfer easier and safer for both the patient and technologist. The x-ray room itself has been expanded in size, with larger patient changing rooms. The new, more efficient equipment may reduce average patient exam times by 5-10 minutes per procedure.