[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] New, Breakthrough MRI Technology Now Available at Orange City Area Health System for Imaging around Metal Implants Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) is now offering MAVRIC SL, a novel magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique designed to address the growing clinical need to more accurately image soft tissue and bone in patients with MR Conditional-labeled implants, such as joint replacements and other instrumentation. OCAHS is the first in Northwest Iowa to be using this new technique to image patients with metallic implants, such as hips and knees. There are more than 1 million hip or knee replacement (arthroplasty) procedures performed each year in the U.S.¹ The need for arthroplasty revision procedures (a second surgery to correct the failure of an artificial joint) is accelerating significantly due to the increased frequency of joint replacements and the younger ages at which they are being performed. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of revision procedures will increase by 137 percent for hips and 601 percent for knees from 2005.² Patients with complications from joint replacement surgeries may present with pain and/or altered gait mechanics, or may have no symptoms at all. Prior to the availability of MAVRIC SL, achieving quality diagnostic MR images of the anatomy near implants was often not possible due to image distortion caused by metal used in implanted devices. MAVRIC SL reduces image distortion in the regions near MR Conditional metal implants, enabling physicians to see tissue surrounding an implant to help them with diagnosis and defining a course of treatment. In some cases, MAVRIC SL can reduce the need for biopsy or exploratory surgery. “We are pleased to offer this new technology to patients in Northwest Iowa,” stated Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. ‘This will not only allow more accurate diagnoses for those with metallic implants, but also eliminate the need for re-doing studies due to artifacts caused by the metal.” In addition to the technology allowing for imaging of tissue surrounding implants, the upgraded MRI technology at OCAHS offers an improved patient experience through shorter scan times, free-breathing abdominal imaging, and state-of-the-art 3D motion correction. References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics. National Hospital Discharge Survey: 2010 table, Procedures by selected patient characteristics – Number by procedure category and age. Retrieved May 6, 2013, available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/insurg.htm
2. Kurtz S, Mowat F, Ong K, et al. Projections of primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty in the United States from 2005 to 2030. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89:780–785.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/MRI-new-september-2017-smaller.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”12px|12px|12px|12px” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Now that school has begun, are you ready for your first test? Is your child’s backpack making the grade? Backpacks are still the best way for your child to tote their homework, but an overloaded or improperly worn backpack gets a failing grade. An overloaded backpack can cause injury when a child uses prolonged postures such as arching the back, leaning forward, or leaning to the side to compensate for the large load. This can cause muscles and soft tissues of the back to work harder, leading to strain and fatigue. A heavy load may also cause undue stress or compression to their shoulders which may cause an experience of tingling or numbness in their arms. Backpacks worn correctly and not overloaded are supported by the back and abdominal muscles which are some of the strongest muscles in the body. These muscles work together to stabilize the trunk (core) and maintain an efficient posture. Clues that your child’s backpack may be too heavy include: pain when wearing the backpack, tingling or numbness in the arms, or red marks on the shoulders. Use the following tips for safe backpack use:

• Do not overload your child’s backpack. The maximum safe weight for a backpack is 15% of your child’s body weight.
• Remind your child to take a break from carrying it if needed, such as when standing and waiting for the bus.
• Fasten the hip belt of the backpack if it has one.
• If the load can’t be decreased, try to have your child carry some of it in their hands.
• Encourage your child to use both straps. By using both straps, the backpack weight is more evenly distributed and promotes a symmetrical posture.
• Make sure your child’s backpack fits:
  • Shoulder straps should fit comfortably on the shoulders and under the arms so that the arms can move freely.
  • The pack should “sit” evenly in the middle of the back and not “sag down” towards the buttocks.

Use this information as your study guide to ensure your child’s back receives an “A” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Susan-Blankers-PT-small.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”12px|12px|12px|12px”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://kpth130275site.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ThinkstockPhotos-594078328.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”12px|12px|12px|12px”] [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]