Imaging I Flashcards
Why do we study imaging as a PT?
Adds to exam and eval, assists with intervention, contributes to prognosis, and allows better communication of involved parties
What are some examples of interventions through imaging?
- motion barriers - bone spur
- weight bearing/ functional levels - bony callus
- Location - Bone stimulator
What is the first imaging typically performed?
radiograph
What is a major advantage of a radiograph?
Most efficient for INITIAL assessment bone or joint abnormality
What is a major disadvantage of a radiograph?
limited for complex and subtle bony abnormalities
What are radiographs commonly referred to as?
Plain films, films, or x-rays
What is needed to view all three dimensions with a radiograph?
at least 2 images at 90˚
One view is ….
NO view
Why is there standardization of positions and views with a radiograph?
- greatest visualization
- minimize radiation exposure
- projection of x-ray beams
What are the 3 ways we can project x-ray beams most commonly?
- Anterior-Posterior > Posterior-Anterior
- Lateral
- Oblique
How does a radiograph work?
- x ray beam enters body, absorbed by tissues at differing amounts to produce shades of gray
- x- ray beam emerges from patient and onto an interpretation device or image receptor
What is the relationship between radiodensity and radiograph?
inverse
What color is air on a radiograph?
Black
What color is fat and bone marrow on a radiograph?
Black/gray
What color is water, muscle, and soft tissues on a radiograph?
gray
What color is bone on a radiograph?
White
What color are contrast dyes on a radiograph?
Bright white
What color is metal on a radiograph?
Solid white
How do we view a AP and PA projection radiograph?
- place on viewer as if patient were facing you and in anatomical position
What is the exception to how we typically view AP and PA projection radiographs?
- hands and feet viewed with toes or fingers pointing up
How do we a view a lateral radiograph?
In the path of a beam
What can help up when viewing a radiograph?
Identify at least 2 markers
- protected health info
- side of body with a R/L
What should we NOT do with the side of body markers on a radiograph?
Do NOT orient the slide marker to obtain the correct letter position
What are the ABCS of understanding a radiograph?
Alignment
Bone density
Cartilage Space
Soft tissue
What should we observe about alignment using a radiograph?
- General architecture/anatomy - size, number of bones, etc.
- General contour (spurs, breaks, markings)
What is cortical bone in context of imaging?
Outer layer of bone and predominately in appendicular skeleton
- denser and whiter
What is cancellous bone in context of imaging?
Interspersed within marrow and predominately in axial skeleton
- less dense and grayer
What should we look for concerning bone density on imaging?
Texture/local density such as sclerotic changes (increased bone density - may be abnormal or noramal)
What should we look for concerning cartilage spaces?
- narrowing
- subchondral bone sclerosis (body is trying to repair damaged bone) and erosion
- Epiphyseal plates - position, size, and smooth margin
What should we look for concerning soft tissue with imaging?
- muscle wasting / edema
- fat pad displacement
- capsular effusion
What is periosteum? What will it show up as?
Bone covering that shows up as a soft tissue shadow
What does a solid periosteum on imaging indicate?
A slow growth of healing or infection
What does a laminated or layered periosteum on imaging indicate?
Repetitive stress