By Annette Pinder

Winter sports season is in full swing and, unfortunately, so are sports injuries. And with icier weather lurking around the corner, it also won’t be long before we begin seeing injuries due other types of accidents.

Whether you are a professional athlete, or participate in school or recreational sports, getting the proper diagnosis and treatment following a musculoskeletal injury can make all the difference in getting back into the game and back to living your life to its fullest. However, few people are aware of the role of musculoskeletal radiologists in ensuring that they are receiving the best possible care.

A subspecialty of general radiology, musculoskeletal radiologists continue their medical educational training for anywhere from one to two years following the completion of their residency. During this time, they focus on diseases related to the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. The additional training allows them to integrate information from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), radiography, sonography (ultrasound), image-guided injections, and other imaging methods to work alongside orthopedic specialists to solve challenging diagnostic problems.

James Rinaldi, MD, President of Great Lakes Medical Imaging (GLMI), says, “Musculoskeletal problems can occur due to a variety of circumstances, ranging from work accidents and sports injuries, to genetics and lifestyle choices. Some of these problems include osteoarthritis of the knees and bones, and several other joint or muscle issues.” He adds, “Our goal is to help lead patients toward an effective recovery by providing imaging and treatment for sports and occupational injuries, hereditary problems, tumors, and arthritis of the bones and other joints.”

GLMI’s fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiology team includes James Rinaldi MD, Thomas Bevilacqua MD, Adam Cole MD, Salah Abdelhadi MD, and Rashpal Sandhu MD. The practice offers a residency program for radiologists who are studying at University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences. Dr. Rinaldi is particularly proud of the fact that GLMI is the region’s only outpatient American College of Radiology Center of Excellence, and the image provider for both the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres. “As the chosen imaging provider for both of our home teams, we encourage you to let us treat your entire family, including your children.”

With convenient locations in Williamsville, Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, and Niagara County, GLMI has an ongoing partnership with UB Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine physicians. GLMI offers extended appointments, with times late into the evening and on Saturdays, and provides open MRIs to accommodate large athletes and claustrophobic patients. Learn more about GLMI at www.glmi.com, or call 716-836-4646 to make an appointment at a location nearest to your home.