Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) At the Barnhill Sports Medicine Clinic we have an extremity magnetic residence image machine that is made available to everyone. Outside referrals are welcome so that other physicians can utilize our advanced imaging. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of diagnostic imaging that is used to evaluate ligament, cartilage, rotator cuff, muscle and soft tissue injuries. These injuries are NOT visualized on plain x-ray film. If an injury other than bone is suspected such as a torn meniscus cartilage, a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a torn rotator cuff, an MRI might be recommended to aid in the diagnosis. Special shoulder and knee protocols have been developed under the direction of Dr. Michael Zlatkin, who is an authority on musculoskeletal imaging. In addition it is under his guidance that our MRI scans are read. For the convenience of our patients we do have an MRI machine in our office and most times the MRI would be able to be done the same day. The study will take approximately 1 hour. It will take 3 to 5 days to receive the radiologist reading and we will contact you with the results as soon as we receive them. Our machine is an OPEN AIR machine and only scans extremities. Because Dr. Barnhill and Dr. Stewart's practice is primarily athletic injuries with a focus on knee and shoulders our MRI tech is trained to position you in the machine to receive the best images available to aid in your diagnosis. The MRI scan is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm upon appointment. Viscosupplementation This is a series of injections for patients who have Osteoarthritus. It has been our experience at Barnhill Sports Medicine Clinic that patients tend to note significant pain relief following injections. The injections that we utilize are Hyalgan which is the brand name that we have had significant success with. The injections are performed once a week for five weeks. At the time of the injection there is some discomfort this readily abates and the only limitation is to avoid significant exercise the day of the injection. Our clinic notices 90% of people have significant improvement with the medication. This naturally occuring joint lubricant has three primary properties. It is a surface boundary lubricant thereby coating the joint lining and helping distribute forces across a broader surface area. Hyaluronic Aud is soaked in articular cartlage and works as a collagen crosslink thereby stabilizing the articular cartlage that is still present within the knee joint. ( I tell my patients this is like putting rebarb in concrete) Anti Inflammatory effect, classicaly patients start feeling relief after the third injection. Maximum improvement may not occur until 2 months after the final injections. The injections may be repeated as early as 6 months but frequently patients go 2 to 3 years before requiring the next set of injections. It has been shown in recent studies that the medication can delay the time from which a total joint replacement is required. Brace Shop Many times surgical intervention is not required for our patients however different conditions can certainly be improved by appropriate bracing. Kerry Jones has worked diligently with several companies and we now have expertise to be able to provide custom brace fittings that can be done and performed within the office. Outside referrals are welcome and appropriate bracing will be done. You will need a perscription from your physician or from the doctors at Barnhill Sports Medicine to be able to have this service. Cold Therapy It has been Dr. Barnhill's recommendations that all patients requiring surgery recieve cold therapy. The very postive affects of cold therapy after surgery have significantly decreased pain and medication requirements as well as dramatically decreasing the inflammatory of surgery itself. Athletic Training Services Saturday Morning Football Clinics We are currently not having our Saturday Morning Football Clinics. Feel free to call our office Monday morning for an appointment. If you have any questions, call our office. Thank you! Fitness Testing Teaming with Zach's Club 54, Barnhill Sports Medicine Clinic is proud to offer Micro-Fit FAS2 fitness testing. The Micro-Fit system allows us to provide you a comprehensive fitness examination that will aid you in your quest for health and wellness. Computerized reports will include information on aerobic capacity, body composition, body mass index, blood pressure, and other fitness components. Tracking this information is vital in designing, implementing, and revising a quality fitness program. The FAS2 system is the tool to use for this purpose. About Us | Patient Information | Physicians | Patient Education | Ancillary Services | Home Barnhill Sports Medicine Phone: 806.350.3500    Fax: 806.359.3094 7000 W. 9th Amarillo, TX 79106 © Copyright 2006 Barnhill Sports Medicine Power By leadingMD.com, inc.