Extremity MRI-Changing The Face of Rheumatology

As a leading practitioner in the fields of arthritis, autoimmune diseases and osteoporosis, Norman B. Gaylis, MD, draws his patients from all corners of the world. Hundreds of patients come to him with severe musculoskeletal and joint issues each year. Many have been unsuccessful with past therapies.

Dr. Gaylis is the founder of the Arthritis and Rheumatic Disease Specialities in Aventura, located between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. The center is a state-of-the-art specialty practice that takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the prevention of disease. In his practice, Dr. Gaylis uses cuttingedge diagnostic tools, infusion therapy, clinical research, and a wide array of approved medications.

An Explosion of New Technologies and Treatments

Dr. Gaylis knows that the best way to relieve patients of their pain and put them on the road to recovery often means using new technologies and the innovative uses of existing technologies. "The good news," Dr. Gaylis says, "is that within the last five years there has been a virtual explosion of new knowledge and new therapies that are changing the face of rheumatology as a specialty, and offering exciting new possibilities for our patients, especially those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis."

A new technology that is having a significant impact on his rheumatoid arthritis practice is the use of small magnet, office-based extremity MRI scans. His Center was the first in the state of Florida and one of the first in the country to offer extremity MRI in a dedicated rheumatology practice.

Seeing Abnormalities Before Severe Damage Takes Place

Dr. Gaylis notes that by the time joint damage is visible on an x-ray, the progress of the damage is severe and reversal is not likely. In such cases, often the best he can do is to try to slow or halt the progress of the damage. Recently Dr. Gaylis bought a C-Scan extremity MRI system from Hologic. The new technology allows Dr. Gaylis to treat joint diseases much earlier, allowing him to dramatically impact the quality of life for his patients.

"With extremity MRI right in our office, we are able to see small abnormalities in the joints before severe damage can take place," Dr. Gaylis says. "Extremity MRI combined with new treatments such as biologic therapy, is revolutionizing the way rheumatoid arthritis is being treated. Now, we can not only retard the progress of the disease, but can very often stop further joint erosion while bringing the disease into remission."