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Getting an accurate picture of what's happening inside your joints is essential for effective arthritis diagnosis and treatment. While physical examinations and laboratory tests provide valuable information, X-ray imaging allows your rheumatologist to actually see changes in your bones and joints that aren't visible from the outside. Whether you're experiencing new joint pain that needs investigation or you have an established arthritis diagnosis that requires monitoring, diagnostic radiology is a crucial tool for understanding your condition and tracking how it changes over time.
Denver Arthritis Clinic offers convenient on-site X-ray services at our Lowry and Lone Tree locations. Since 1976, our board-certified rheumatologists have used advanced diagnostic imaging to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans for patients with rheumatic diseases.
Having X-ray capabilities right in our office means you don't need to schedule separate appointments at outside imaging centers. You can have your consultation, X-rays, and follow-up discussion all in one visit, making your care more efficient and less disruptive to your schedule.
Schedule an appointment with Denver Arthritis Clinic to discuss your symptoms and determine whether X-ray imaging would be helpful for your diagnosis or treatment monitoring. Our experienced radiology specialists are ready to provide the imaging services you need.
X-ray imaging is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in rheumatology, providing clear pictures of your bones and joints that help identify arthritis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. At Denver Arthritis Clinic, our on-site radiology services use proven technology to deliver high-quality images that guide your care.
X-rays provide essential information about the structural changes that occur with different types of arthritis. For osteoarthritis, X-rays can show narrowing of the joint space where cartilage has worn away, bone spurs that develop around affected joints, and changes in bone density near the joint. These findings help your rheumatologist confirm an osteoarthritis diagnosis and determine how advanced the condition has become. For rheumatoid arthritis, X-rays can detect erosions in the bone near affected joints, which occur when inflammation damages the bone surface. Early detection of these erosions is important because it indicates more aggressive disease that may require stronger treatment to prevent further joint damage.
X-rays are also valuable for diagnosing other rheumatic conditions and complications. They can identify fractures that may occur more easily in bones weakened by arthritis or osteoporosis, detect calcium deposits that form in certain types of arthritis, reveal signs of gout, including characteristic joint changes, and show spinal changes that occur with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. Your rheumatologist may order X-rays of specific joints where you're experiencing symptoms, or may recommend imaging of multiple joints to get a comprehensive picture of how arthritis is affecting your body.
One of the most important uses of X-ray imaging in rheumatology is tracking how your condition changes over time. By comparing X-rays taken at different points during your treatment, your rheumatologist can see whether arthritis is progressing, staying stable, or improving with treatment. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about your care. If X-rays show that joint damage is worsening despite treatment, your doctor may recommend adjusting your medications or trying different therapies to better control inflammation and prevent further damage. Conversely, if X-rays show that your joints are stable, it confirms that your current treatment plan is working effectively.
Regular imaging provides important benefits, including:
The frequency of X-ray monitoring depends on your specific condition, treatment plan, and how active your arthritis is. Some patients may need imaging every six months to a year, while others with stable disease may only need periodic X-rays every few years.
X-rays provide crucial visual evidence that helps confirm arthritis diagnoses and assess severity. They can detect joint space narrowing, bone erosions, spurs, and other changes that aren't visible during physical examination. This imaging allows your rheumatologist to make more accurate diagnoses, choose appropriate treatments, and monitor whether your condition is improving or worsening over time. X-rays typically provide results within minutes, allowing for quicker diagnosis and treatment planning.
Yes, X-rays are very safe when used appropriately. Modern X-ray equipment uses low doses of radiation, and the benefits of accurate diagnosis and monitoring far outweigh the minimal risks. Your rheumatologist only orders X-rays when the information they provide is necessary for your care. Our radiology staff follows all safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure, and digital X-ray technology uses less radiation than older film-based systems.
Yes, we accept health plans from most insurance carriers throughout Colorado. Our radiology services are typically covered by insurance when ordered by your physician for medical diagnosis or monitoring. For specific questions about your insurance coverage, contact our office or check our insurance page for the current list of accepted providers.
Because our X-ray services are on-site, results are typically available immediately or within the same day. In many cases, your rheumatologist can review your X-rays and discuss the findings with you during your appointment. This immediate access to results allows for faster treatment decisions and eliminates the waiting period that often occurs when imaging is performed at outside facilities.