River Radiology - Imaging Services
Since 2012, River Radiology has been delivering expert, independent radiology services to the Hamilton and Waikato communities. Our advanced imaging and precise diagnostics provide vital clarity to help guide effective patient care and clinical decisions.
Please reach us at care@riverradiology.co.nz if you would like more information.
MRI
River Radiology’s state-of-the-art GE 3.0 Tesla scanner performs high-resolution scans in minutes whilst you relax on a comfortably padded table. There is no need for oral sedation because our scan room has been specifically designed to put you at ease.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a very powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed images of almost every internal part of the body. This process is completely safe and involves no harmful radiation whatsoever.
Patient Preparation
Advise our booking staff if you have any internal metal implants or electronic devices
Before your MRI scan, eat, drink and take any medication as normal, unless advised otherwise.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to you scan so you can fill out a safety questionnaire prior to your MRI scan
Please allow 45-60 minutes for your examination in total
CT - Cone Beam
Like all CT machines the NewTom 5G Cone Beam CT, a specialist machine, uses X-Rays, but an examination on the Cone Beam CT uses only 10% of the radiation delivered by a routine Fan Beam CT!
Our Cone Beam differs from the more commonly available Dental machines; patients lie down on a moving table to be scanned. This means we can scan elbows, wrists, hands, knees, ankles and feet – even the cervical spine (neck). The Cone Beam also gets wonderful high resolution scans of the face, sinuses, teeth, and temporal bones (inner ear). In other words, we can provide you with detail of your bones, joints and soft tissues with a safer procedure than anywhere else in town.
Patient Preparation
None.
CT - Siemens Somatom Go.UP
At River Radiology, we specialise in musculoskeletal & neuroradiology and would love to achieve high quality imaging for your patients.
In addition to all general scans we also offer an interventional service
including nerve root spinal
injections and caudal epidural
injections under CT guidance
X-Rays
Here at River Radiology we use a digital x-ray machine that allows us to view your image only seconds after taking it. With state of the art technology we are able to skip the entire processing stage, meaning a speedy but efficient process for all our patients. This is the most efficient technology available.
Free ACC X-rays.
Preparation
None.
Specialised Injections
Corticosteroid Injections
We have extensive experience with corticosteroid injections. Using ultrasound guidance, corticosteroid is injected in conjunction with local anaesthetic to provide relief for inflammation and pain.
Dr Gendall has spent years working with several kinds of Achilles injections. Techniques have been refined over time. Currently we offer High Volume Paratendon Injections and Autologous Blood Injections for Achilles tendonitis and small achilles tears. These injections are tailored to specific patient circumstances. Post injection there is a strict need to follow detailed recovery protocols. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (for example – Nurofen, Voltaren, Diclofenac) are contraindicated prior to Autologous Blood Injection.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and Autologous (Blood) Injections
These innovative procedures use properties of your own blood to aid in healing/re-building of tendon/ligament/muscle tears and cartilage damage. Based on your ultrasound findings and after clinical examination, one of our specialised doctors will decide on the best method of treatment.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are relatively simple procedures. Blood is collected from your arm, as it would be during a routine blood test. Your blood is then ‘spun down’ to separate the over a 15 minute period. The platelet-rich portion of your blood is then injected back into your injured body part using ultrasound to accurately guide it into place.
Autologous blood injections involve blood being collected from your arm, exactly like what would happen during a routine blood test. Using ultrasound to guide the injection, the blood is then injected straight back into your injured body part.
Spinal Injections
We perform epidural corticosteroid injections for back problems. These are image guided injections, using a combination of Ultrasound and X-Rays to ensure the safest possible procedure.
Your symptoms may be aggravated for a short time following the injection. The medication dissolves slowly so you may not feel much relief for 24-48 hours. When successful relief of pain is achieved the results can be long lasting.
After a short stay in the recovery area, you will be assisted in getting up and walking for the first time after the injection.
Ultrasound - Abdominal
Ultrasound is recognised as first line imaging for upper abdominal problems, particularly Gall Bladder pain. It is also a good way of imaging the liver, kidneys and aorta.
Patient Preparation
Nothing to eat six hours before scan. Can have black tea/coffee and water.
Ultrasound - Neck and Small Parts
Like all structures close to the skin, the thyroid gland is imaged with excellent resolution by ultrasound. Other structures in the neck are also well shown. Ultrasound is also the best imaging technique for looking at hernias and at the testes.
Patient Preparation
None.
Ultrasound - Musculoskeletal
One of our specialties. Our radiologists are subspecialty trained in musculoskeletal imaging and are skilled in assessing the detailed images from the high frequency probes available on our GE LOGIQ S8 and E9 ultrasound machine sto investigate soft tissue images thoroughly and make the correct diagnoses.
Shoulders, fingers, wrists, ankles, hips – we can help.
Patient Preparation
None.
Ultrasound - Pregnancy Scans
Ultrasound is well established as a safe means of dating and monitoring pregnancy. We have experienced sonographers to image your pregnancy and demonstrate this on our large LED monitor.
Patient Preparation
Up to 16 weeks pregnant – Empty bladder 1 hour before appointment. Drink 1 litre water rapidly. Do not empty bladder until after ultrasound.
Over 16 weeks pregnant; no preparation.
Ultrasound - Pelvic
The bladder and pelvic organs are optimally assessed with ultrasound. We use a full bladder as a “window” to gain ultrasonic access to the pelvis.
Patient Preparation
Empty bladder 1 hour before appointment. Drink 1 litre water rapidly. Do not empty bladder until after ultrasound.