Musculoskeletal Imaging and Inteventionalists physicians interpret advanced imaging of all joints of the body. In Asheville, we have developed close working relationships with the region’s top experts in operative and non-operative orthopedics, orthopedic oncology, arthritis, and bone health. We work behind the scenes in collaboration with your preferred bone specialist to arrive at your diagnosis as quickly and comfortably as possible. (consultation?— we are the physicians physician consultant—bridge between medicine and surgery)
ARA Health Specialists Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention team has decades of experience diagnosing common and rare diseases of bones, joints, and soft tissue and treating painful conditions of the joints and spine. Together we offer the active patients of Western North Carolina unparalleled patient care backed by years of unique clinical experience working with complex sports injury and orthopedic cancers in top tier academic centers and advanced training in pain intervention. Our commitment to the highest ethical standards, image interpretation, and cutting-edge innovation have earned the members of our team leadership roles in local, state, national, and international imaging organizations. We are truly a unique blend of the best Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention has to offer, right in your own backyard.
At ARA Health Specialists, it is our privilege to take care of the patients of Western North Carolina. We know that every image represents a person looking for an answer. Days, nights, and weekends, the Musculoskeletal Imaging and Intervention Team is available when you and your doctor need us. We offer the region’s highest quality images interpreted by the most skilled, conscientious physicians, making the right diagnosis and delivering effective, comfortable treatment of bone and joint pain. We aren’t just any imaging and interventional physician specialist- we are your physician specialist.
Bryon Dickerson, M.D. Joined ARA in 2002 ARA President 2009 – 2019 Fellow, American College of Radiology (former President NC Chapter)
Kate Hartley, M.D. Joined ARA 2018 Assistant Professor of Radiology, Vanderbilt University International Society of Skeletal Radiology Editorial Board, Skeletal Radiology
David Hodges, M.D. Joined ARA 2009 ARA Vice President 2016-2019 ARA Treasurer 2020
We use radiographs as the initial evaluation for bone and joint trauma, complemented by CT and MRI for complex fractures and soft tissue injuries including ligament and tendon tears. Working with your orthopedic clinician, we will follow your injury to make sure bones are healing and well aligned.
We use radiographs, CT, and MRI to diagnose and assess common and uncommon types of arthritis including but not limited to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, CPPD, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative spondylosis to name a few.
When enjoying an active lifestyle in our beautiful mountains leads to injury, we are here to quickly make the diagnosis and get you back in the game. When radiographs aren’t enough, our 1.5 and 3T MRI options can help. We offer both early morning, late evening, and weekend options.
In addition to arthritis or fracture, pain around a joint can also be related to tendon abnormality. In collaboration with your preferred specialist, we commonly use MRI to differentiate tendonitis/ tendinosis from partial and full-thickness tendon tears to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Most lumps, bumps, and bone lesions aren’t cancer but unfortunately, some are. Our musculoskeletal radiology physicians are well versed in the diagnosis and surveillance of bone and soft tissue tumors. We partner closely with our colleagues in orthopedic and medical oncology, pathology, and radiation therapy to make the right diagnosis as quickly as possible. Using MRI and radiographs, we’re there every step of the way assisting with surgical planning, assessing treatment response, and monitoring you after therapy for any disease recurrence. It’s our job to find small abnormalities while they are still treatable.
Sometimes injuries of the wrist, hip, and shoulder are best evaluated by distending the injured joint prior to MRI. We do this most often when your orthopedic clinician is concerned you may have a ligament or labral tear. We may also inject a painful joint or region around a painful tendon using image guidance, delivering pain reducing medication directly to the spot that’s hurting. Our MSK radiologists perform these types of injections daily. In our high-volume intervention practice, our goal is always minimal patient discomfort and exceptional patient experience.
Sometimes chronic disease of other organs impacts your bone health. In addition to screening for osteoporosis, we also use imaging to diagnose bone problems that may arise in the setting of chronic lung, thyroid, liver, or kidney disease.
For those suffering from neck, back, or pelvic pain, we can help! Facet and sacroiliac joint pain are commonly related to arthritis. Minimally invasive, image-guided injections of these joints can provide temporary pain relief, after which our team of MSK
Interventionalists can perform similar minimally invasive ablation procedures to provide more longstanding pain relief.
