Radiology & Imaging

Our radiology team offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic imaging and image-guided procedures. Fellowship-trained, sub-specialty radiologists interpret all exams. Our neuroradiologists have special training in conditions that affect the brain, spine, head and neck.

Our radiology department performs more therapeutic spine injections and diagnostic/therapeutic arthrograms than any other hospital in New England. Our radiologists also have expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

What does all this training and experience mean to you? It means you’re in good hands with us, and you can expect to receive the highest quality care available anywhere.

EOS Orthopedic Imaging System

New England Baptist Hospital is one of the few hospitals in Boston to offer the EOS system, an innovative orthopedic imaging system.

In less than 20 seconds, the EOS system captures two full-body, weight-bearing images of the skeletal system at the same time (one from the front, and one from the side). These high-quality images of the spine, hip and knee are consistent in scale from head to toe, with no magnification or distortion. That means accurate diagnoses, measurements and 3D models. With EOS, your surgeon can better understand the skeletal system and make the best decision on your treatment. 

At New England Baptist Hospital, we know your health care needs are unique. Our imaging center offers a wide range of leading-edge technologies to help your doctor create a treatment plan that’s right for you. Our state-of-the-art services and equipment include:

• Bone densitometry. Bone densitometry is an enhanced form of X-ray technology that specialists use to measure bone loss. Another name for this procedure is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Radiologists most often perform DXA on the lower spine and hips. We use it to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine how well treatment is working. 
• Computed tomography (CT). A CT scan uses a special type of X-ray device and a sophisticated computer system to generate detailed images of the body. CT scan technology provides images of much greater detail than X-rays.
• Interventional radiology. This is the use of imaging equipment to perform minimally invasive procedures. Your specialist may recommend interventional radiology for a variety of health conditions, including gastrointestinal (GI) or heart problems.
• Nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine is a type of medical imaging that your specialist can use to diagnose and treat certain health conditions. Our specialists regularly use nuclear medicine to diagnose spine problems or symptoms related to a total joint replacement.

During a nuclear medicine test, the radiologist gives you a radiopharmaceutical (specialized medicine) or radiotracer. A radiotracer uses radiation. You may receive the radiotracer by intravenous (IV) line, by swallowing or by inhaling as a gas.

Your specialist then uses a special camera to see where the radiation is deposited in your body. For most exams, any radiation is gone within a day.

Bone scans are complementary to other imaging tests. Your radiologist typically interprets them alongside X-rays, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams.

• Ultrasound. Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses a small probe or “transducer” to send high-frequency sound waves into your body and catch the reflected sound waves. These reflected sound waves create images of body parts.
• X-ray. We perform a large volume of X-rays on both an outpatient and inpatient basis. Our technologists are efficient and practiced at exams of all parts of the body. This helps ensure your experience is pleasant and speedy.