Joints and Radiology

Question 1

Use of X-rays for imaging joints

Answer 1

Pros –> cheap, easy, quick, common, easily stored
Cons –> Just a 2D shadow of a 3D structure, spatial distortion based on distance from the film and contrast variation, radiation dose

Question 2

Types of joints

Answer 2

Fibrous
Bony
Cartilaginous (primary, secondary, synovial)

Question 3

Fibrous joints

Answer 3

mainly found in immature skull and fuse later in life

Also found at the distal tibio-fibular joint and this remains patent throughout life

Question 4

Primary Cartilaginous joints

Answer 4

Mainly in the immature skeleton in the growth plates between epiphyses and diaphyses, also between the 1st rib and the manubrium

Question 5

Secondary cartilaginous joints

Answer 5

In the axial skeleton and include fibrocartilage which allows some movement - between intervertebral discs, manubrio-sternal joints and pubic symphysis

Question 6

Intervertebral disc structure

Answer 6

Fibrocartilaginous annulus fibrosis with concentric layers of collagen around a central nucleus pulposus
The annulus acts as a coil to pull the vertebrae back together while the nucleus acts as a ball bearing around which they move

Question 7

Synovial joints

Answer 7

More mobile because they have cavities filled with synovial fluid between surfaces covered in articular cartilage - knee, hip, elbow, shoulder etc