Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

With its non-invasive nature and low cost, musculoskeletal ultrasound is a cost-effective way of evaluating the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and even bones of a patient. In expert hands, it could be as good as an MRI in many cases. However, it requires a skilled sonographer for proper interpretation. At the Arthritis Center, our rheumatologists have been expertly trained in performing this procedure.

Polarizing microscopy

“Do I have gout?”

Patients suspected of having crystal-induced arthritis may need to undergo joint aspiration with synovial fluid analysis through polarizing microscopy.  The polarizing microscope is used to identify crystals that induce arthritis such as in gout (monosodium urate crystals) and calcium pyrophosphate disease-induced arthritis (calcium pyrophosphate crystals).

Rehabilitation

Our physicians work hand-in-hand with rehabilitation medicine specialists (also called physiatrists) and therapists in the treatment of their patients. Delos Santos Medical Center has a fully-equipped Rehabilitation Center staffed by therapists who are trained in treating various musculoskeletal ailments.

Injections

There are instances when arthritic conditions would require injection of medicines into the joint or the body. Examples are steroid injection, viscosupplementation, and infusion of biologicals. These procedures can be performed at the Arthritis Center at prices that are cheaper than the competition.  In addition, we are able to perform ultrasound-guided injections for those hard-to-target structures.

Infusion center

The Arthritis Center has its own infusion center equipped with Relaxation chairs and HD TV to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Our infusion center is staffed by rheumatologists and skilled nurses, which provide the latest treatments available for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and osteoporosis.  We do biologic intravenous therapies for rheumatic diseases using: infliximab, rituximab, and tocilizumab. Other therapies available for infusions are pulse methylprednisolone therapies, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), cyclophosphamide and zoledronic acid. Our rheumatologists and nurses are present to regularly assess patients undergoing infusion.

Surgeries

In the event that conservative or non-operative treatment is not effective, surgery might be the next best option. Our surgeons have had subspecialty training in their fields of expertise. We have joint replacement surgeons, a spine surgeon, and a hand surgeon. The surgeries that we offer include:

               - Arthroscopic surgery

               - Surgery of the arthritic back

               - Surgery of the arthritic hand

               - Joint replacement surgery

               - Revision surgery