L1 Fundamentals

Question 1

Radiolucent

Answer 1

film black w/out absorption
less dense material
can see through

Question 2

Radiopaque

Answer 2

white with w/out penetration
more dense material
can’t see through

Question 3

Radiolucent to Radiopaque tissues

Answer 3

Gas
Fat
Water
Bone
Contrast Media
Heavy metal

Question 4

Factors that impact image quality

Answer 4

• thickness of body part
• motion
• scatter
• magnification
• distortion

Question 5

Motion

Answer 5

causes blurring

can overcome by shortening the exposure time and using an intensifying screen that is found in all film holders

Question 6

Scatter

Answer 6

produced by deflection of some of the primary x-ray beam

a grid is used to reduce scatter

Question 7

Magnification

Answer 7

as an object moves toward the source of x-ray beam, shadow becomes larger

Question 8

Distortion

Answer 8

occurs when the object is not perpendicular to x-ray beam

Question 9

Plain Films

Answer 9

• same as x-ray
• most common diagnostic imaging format
• no contrast material is used to enhance various body structures

Question 10

ABCS for X-ray

Answer 10

Alignment
Bone
Cartilage
Soft Tissues

Question 11

Alignment

Answer 11

• size of bone
• count number of bones
• normal contour and shape bones
• position of bone in relation to joint

Question 12

Bone

Answer 12

• bone density
• weight bearing surfaces
• texture

Question 13

Cartilage

Answer 13

• joint space
• subchondral bone
• growth plates and epiphysis

Question 14

Soft Tissue

Answer 14

• gross size
• joint capsule outline
• periosteum

Question 15

Radiographic signs of fracture

Answer 15

• focal discontinuity in structure
• displacement
• focal alteration in smooth contour
• change in the shape
• linear region of sclerosis
• lucent line
• avulsion fragment
• double density
• abnormal fat pad

Question 16

Radiographic signs of open fractures

Answer 16

• soft tissue defects
• bone fragment protruding beyond soft tissues
• gas in soft tissues
• intraarticular gas
• presence of foreign body
• missing bone fragments

Question 17

Radiographic Findings in Stress Fractures

Answer 17

• normal
• soft tissue swelling
• graying of cortex
• multiple transverse lucencies
• fracture line
• periosteal reaction
• endosteal sclerosis
• fuzzy linear densities
• curvilinear sclerosis
• cortical thickening

Question 18

Hallmarks of OA

Answer 18

1. joint space narrowing
2. bone spurs
3. sclerotic borders
4. subchondral bone cysts

Question 19

Jefferson Fx

Answer 19

burst fracture of C1

Question 20

Hangman’s Fx

Answer 20

fracture through posterior element of C2

Question 21

Clay Shoveler’s Fx

Answer 21

C7 spinous process fracture

Question 22

Salter-Harris system

Answer 22

physial fractures in kids
1. Physis
2. Metaphysis and physis
3. Physis and Epiphysis
4. Through physis, metaphysis, epiphysis
5. Crush/compression

Question 23

Bone Scan

Answer 23

• uses marker to reflect increased blood flow and metabolsim
• useful for dx of subtle fractures, avascular necrosis, decreased blood flow, mets, osteomyelitis, prosthetic loosening
• high sensitivity, low specificity

Question 24

Ultrasoundography

Answer 24

• used for soft tissue pathology, tendon, muscle tears, nerve entrapment, healing fracture, defect in cartilage
• low cost and portable, no known hazards
• limited view, more operator dependent, deep structures are not visible

Question 25

Compute Tomgraphy

Answer 25

* combines x-ray with compute * provides 3d images in any plane *best for loose bodies, subtle/complex fx, degenerati e changes, serious trauma, spinal stenosis * provides axial images only, limited tissue imaging, high radiation

Question 26

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Answer 26

* non-ionizing imaging * does great with soft tissue * poor with bone, expensive, time consuming, not comfortable for patient * cannot be done with metal in the body * multiple sequencing allows for multiple images

Question 27

Advantages of CT over MRI

Answer 27

* less expensive * greater availability * faster image times * less operator time * thinner slices * greater resolution power for cortical bone * can image on patients with metal implants

Question 28

Advantages of MRI over CT

Answer 28

* greater contrast resolution of soft tissue * greater ability to image organs * no ionizing radiation * greater imaging quality in nonaxial planes * no artifact from bone * less risk in missing disease processes

Question 29

MRI Sequencing

Answer 29

T1 = best for anatomic structure T2 = contrasting normal vs abnormal tissue water, CSF, acute hemorrage, soft tissue appears dark on TI and bright on T2

Question 30

ABCDS for MRI

Answer 30

Alignment Bone Cartilage eDema Soft Tissue