Diagnostic Imagining Basics

Question 1

Describe the radiographic terminology, Osteoblastic

Answer 1

Radiopaque
Opacity
Sclerosis
Hypertrophic bone
Increased radiodensity
Blastic lesion
Reparative
Reactive bone

Question 2

Describe radiographic terminology, osteoclastic

Answer 2

Radiolucent
Lucency
Osteopenia
Decreased radiodensity
Lytic lesion or ‘lysis’
Bone destroying

Question 3

Will more radio dense material appear darker or lighter?

Answer 3

Lighter

Question 4

Radiographic Evaluation (the ABCs)

Answer 4

Alignment
Bone Density
Cartilage space
Soft tissue

Question 5

What are the components of alignment in radiographic evaluation?

Answer 5

Size of bone
Number of bones
Shape and contour of bone
Bone and joint position

Question 6

What are the components of bone density in radiographic eval?

Answer 6

General bone density
Focal bone density
Trabecular alteration

Question 7

What are the components of cartilage spaces in radiographic eval?

Answer 7

Joint space
Width
Symmetry
Subchondral bone
Contour
Density
Growth plates/epiphyses

Question 8

What are the components of soft tissues in radiographic eval?

Answer 8

Gross musculature
Joint capsule
Increase volume
Fat pad sign (*fat pads compressed out - swelling in joint, can be caused by fracture)
Periosteum

Question 9

When to consider early imaging?

Answer 9

Concern over a fracture or bony alignment/integrity
Patients with possible or known malignancy
MSK pain and constitutional symptoms (fatigue, f/c/s, wt loss, etc.)
bowel/bladder incontinence
Objective neurological deficits
Lack of improvement

Question 10

What are the different types of radiographs?

Answer 10

Traditional = hard copy
Digital= displayed on monitor

Question 11

Order from radiolucent to radiopaque?

Answer 11

air–> Fat–> water–> bone–> contrast media–> heavy metals