Imaging Flashcards
What are the advantages of conventional radiography for imaging of MSK?
- widely available
- reproducible
- inexpensive
- minimal ionizing radiation
What are the disadvantages of conventional radiography for imaging of MSK?
- fractures may be occult if not displaced
- importance of more than 1 view
- complex bones and superimposed structures
- soft tissues are poorly evaluated with x-ray
What is conventional radiography most useful for in MSK?
Evaluation of bones mostly, not as good at imaging soft tissues
What are the main uses of CT in MSK?
More detailed evaluation of fractures, preoperative planning, assessment of healing
What are the main advantages of CT for MSK?
- widely available, quick imaging
- good spatial resolution
- with or without contrast
- can reformat images
- alternative for MRIs if they are contraindicated
What are the main limitations of CT for MSK?
- ionizing radiation
- cost
- soft tissue evaluation is inferior to MRI
- metal causes artifact
What are the main uses of MRI in MSK?
Best at evaluation of joints and soft tissues
What are the main advantages of MRI for MSK?
- high contrast resolution
- can see changes earlier than x-ray
- no radiation
- widely available
- many techniques
What are the main disadvantages of MRI for MSK?
- expensive
- not patient friendly
- variable quality
- metal causes artifacts
- many contraindications
What are the main uses of fluoroscopy in MSK?
Used in procedures or for dynamic imaging
What are the main advantages of fluoroscopy for MSK?
- widely available
- dynamic imaging
What are the main disadvantages of fluoroscopy for MSK?
- ionizing radiation to patient and operator
What are the main uses of ultrasound for MSK?
Good for superficial soft tissue structures (tendons, muscles), some ability to evaluate bone surfaces
What are the main advantages of ultrasound for MSK?
- patient friendly
- reproducible
- small/moderate expense
- widely available
- dynamic imaging
What are the main disadvantages of ultrasound for MSK?
- user/operator dependent
- cannot go through cortical bone
What is dual x-ray absorptiometry?
A type of X-ray that evaluates bone density relative to others of the same sex/ethnicity/demographics
What is bone scintigraphy?
A sensitive but nonspecific way to evaluate bone density
What is bone scintigraphy sensitive for?
Conditions with bone turnover and increased blood flow, specifically fracture, infection, and blastic metastases
What is an arthrography used for?
A technique to introduce contrast into joints to evaluate joints
What is myelography used for?
A technique to introduce contrast into the central canal of bone
What imaging techniques are used for chronic back pain in adults?
- plain radiographs
- MRI
What imaging techniques are used for chronic back pain in children?
- plain radiographs
- nuclear medicine exam
What imaging techniques are used for acute back pain?
- plain radiographs
- consider CT or MRI
What imaging techniques are used for neck pain?
- plain radiographs
What imaging techniques are used for joint pain?
Plain radiographs, consider MRI
What imaging techniques are used for neoplasm?
Plain radiograph, MRI with contrast, CT, nuclear medicine study
What imaging techniques are used for occult fractures?
Plain radiographs, CT/MRI/nuclear medicine if x-ray is normal
What imaging techniques are used for osteomyelitis in diabetic patients?
- plain radiograph
- MRI
- nuclear medicine study
What imaging techniques are used for osteomyelitis in non-diabetic patients?
- plain radiograph
- MRI with contrast
