Introduction

Question 1

Radiograph adv/disadv

Answer 1

• fast, inexpensive, relatively low radiation dose, excellent definition of bone, helps direct next image study
• Can only show significant changes in bone density

Question 2

Computer Tomography

Answer 2

• Cross sectional imaging technique that merges x ray technology with advanced computer post processing

Question 3

CT contraindications

Answer 3

• contrast induced nephropathy
• Allergy to iodinated contrast

Question 4

CT adv/disadv

Answer 4

• highly detailed depiction of normal anatomy.
• Less time consuming than MRI.
• Usually less expensive than MRI.
• Less problematic for claustrophobia.
• Higher radiation exposure.
• Hess tissue contrast than MRI.

Question 5

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer 5

• Cross sectional imaging technique that uses magnetic field and radio frequency signals to cause hydrogen nuclei to emit their own signals to convert to computer.
• Based on water (differences in amounts in everything).
• H+ protons higher in inflammation.
• Great for soft tissue injuries; ligaments and tendons.
• Bone tumors, tress fractures, osteomyelitis, and avascular necrosis. Also intervertebral dist pathology.

Question 6

MRI adv/disadv

Answer 6

• excellent resolution of all soft tissue and no ionizing radiation Is excellent for soft tissue but poor for imagine bone secondary to limited water content.
• Expensive, time consuming, and claustrophobic.

Question 7

MRI contraindications

Answer 7

• cardiac pacemakers, magnetic intracranial aneurysm clips, metal foreign body in eye or orbit, orthopedic hardware, large area tattoos, cochlear implants, and pregnancy.

Question 8

Nuclear Imaging

Answer 8

• application of radioactive substances for the diagnosis and treatment of disease-physiological changes in the tissue.

Question 9

Musculoskeletal imaging

Answer 9

• cross-sectional imaging method based on the reflections of sound waves off tissues interfaces
• Uses: soft tissue pathology, eval of fluid collections, articular cartilage defects, eval of nerves for inflammation
• No known contraindications

Question 10

MS imaging adv/disadv

Answer 10

• low cost, portability, can imagine soft tissue, can include dynamic movements, can palpate with transducer operator dependent, does not penetrate bone, does not cross air surfaces
• obese pts a problem, time consuming

Question 11

Bone scan

Answer 11

• Nuclear image of the skeleton.
• Helps detect high risk cancer pts
• SENSITIVE for abnormal changes in bone.
• Not specific in why those changes are seen.
  
  • Ex. can pick up issues with bone but cant confirm stress fracture

Question 12

Radiograph radiodensity (see graph)

Answer 12

• Air (black)
• Fat
• Water
• Bone
• Metal (white)

Question 13

Variations in MRI

Answer 13

• MRI with contrast- gadolinium improves resolution of tissues
• MR arthrography- injection of contrast medium into jt
• MR myelography-DOES NOT require contrast medium like CT myelopgraphy, special sequences used to increase signal from CSF