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We’re always here to answer your questions and make sure you understand our methods of treatment and your options.

Our specialties include injuries and related problems of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, spine, back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. For patients that need an MRI, we have a weight-bearing MRI machine, the only one in Chatham County.

We’re dedicated to providing state-of-the-art, compassionate orthopedic care in an environment that is both welcoming and comfortable for you and your loved ones.
William G. Sutlive, M.D. Inspire Orthopedics
Our Services

Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)

An epidural is a procedure that involves injecting a medication, either an anesthetic or a steroid, into the space around your spinal nerves known as the epidural space. This injection breaks the cycle of pain which may allow a more pain-free range of motion.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection (SIJI)

A Sacroiliac Joint injection is a shot of an anti-inflammatory medication and an anesthetic into the joint capsule of the SI joint (place where the spine connects to the pelvis) to treat the pain in the low back, buttock, or upper leg. The goal is to improve spine motion as well as provide pain relief.

Facet Injection

A facet joint injection is performed to treat neck and back pain in combination with other non-surgical spine treatments like rest, medication, chiropractic manipulations and physical therapy. The facet joints are found in the spine where they connect the backbones (vertebrae) to each other. When the joint cartilage is damaged, these joints can cause debilitating pain known as Facet Syndrome. The injections can decrease inflammation and pain.

Medial Branch Block Injections (MBB)

A medial branch block is a procedure in which an anesthetic is injected near small medial nerves connected to a specific facet joint. This is a diagnostic test to determine origin of pain.

Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation (RFA)

Radio-frequency ablation is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain. In essence, it turns off the nerve for 9-12 months. The benefits of radio-frequency ablation include avoiding surgery, immediate pain relief, little to no recovery time, decreased need for pain medication, improved function, and a quicker return to work and other activities.

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Our Facility

Inspire Orthopedics is conveniently located in the Abercorn Center at the corner of Abercorn Street and Jackson Boulevard. We strive to provide a safe, friendly, and calm environment with an exceptional staff.

Our facility

Esoate Standup MRI

State of the Art Equipment

Our Weight-Bearing MRI

We’re excited to bring the innovative weight-bearing G-scan Brio MRI scanning technology to Chatham County. It allows the study of all joints as well as the spine, but unlike ordinary MRI’s it allows us to capture your MRI in a standing or weight-bearing, position.

Many pathologies, particularly in the spine, are affected by the patient’s position, so imaging in the standing position can give additional valuable information to determine the best care approach.

The G-scan Brio is a dedicated musculoskeletal MRI system designed to image all extremities, joints and the whole spine. Thanks to a proprietary tilting mechanism, the G-scan Brio can scan patients in the traditional supine or in the weight bearing position, rotating both the magnet and patient from 0 to 90 degrees.

For patient comfort, the open ergonomic design is a preferred choice for claustrophobic patients and the advanced patient table design provides maximum comfort and easy patient positioning.

Built with eXPtechnology, the G-scan Brio is equipped with the latest hardware and software innovations offering unique clinical solutions to improve acquisition time and image quality for enhanced system performance.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Weight Bearing MRI

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe, totally painless way for your physician to look into your body without x-rays. The exam uses radiowaves and a magnetic field to create images of the soft tissues of the body.

How long will the exam take?

Most exams take about 30 minutes for conventional scan plus 10 minutes in standing position.

What should I expect?

You will be asked to lie on a table and the technologist will position you comfortably. The table will then slide into the open magnet. Only the part of your body being imaged will be in the magnet opening.

In some cases, the magnet will be moved to a vertical position to do a ‘stand-up’ exam. Just lie down or stand and relax. It is very important to hold as still as possible during the exam to give your physician the best images.

How should I prepare for the MRI exam?

You can eat, drink, and take regularly-prescribed medications before your exam. If you will be having a leg exam, you can bring some shorts to wear. Otherwise, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown to avoid the possibility of interference from metal in zippers and fasteners.

You will be asked to remove your watch, credit cards, jewelry, keys, pocket knife, hearing aid, or any other metal objects before approaching the MRI. The magnet could affect the items of this type or the items could affect the magnet.

Will I feel anything?

No. There is no pain, vibration or unusual sensation. The MRI will produce a mild tapping sound during the exam.

What do I need to do during the exam?

Nothing! Just lie down on a table and relax. The scanner is open and airy and a small radio antenna (coil) will surround the part of your body being scanned.

What if I have more questions?

Call us at 912-341-6007. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have.