MSK/Rheumatolgy - Radiology - Exam 3 Flashcards
What is the first line choice of imaging for all MSK complains?
Plain radiography (x-ray)
On a radiograph, what appears black and what appears white?
Black - air
White - bone
What are indications for radiography?
First line and usually order before advanced imaging
Fractures
Dislocations
What are radiograph contraindications?
Exclusively soft tissue injuries
Caution with excessive repeat images and unnecessary radiation
What are advantages for radiography?
Readily available Reproducible Inexpensive Patient ease Technical training not required
What are limitations for radiography?
Superimposed structures (3D data on a 2D image)
Radiation exposure
Low sensitivity for subtly fractures and soft tissue injuries
What imaging technique produces tomographic images to put data into sections to create a 3D image?
Computed Tomography (CT)
What are indications for a CT?
Combined with contrast to image joints Stereotactic frame (biopsies, surgical planning) Angiography Small intraarticular fragments
What are CT limitations?
Unnecessary imaging Significant metal in area to be imaged Allergy to contrast dye Pregnancy Claustrophobia
What are advantages to CT imaging?
Tomography
Best bone assessment modality
Higher contrast resolution (iodine based)
What are limitations to CT imaging?
Artifacts (blurring from pt movement, beam hardening) Limited use for soft tissue Weight limitations, 300-400lbs Cost (higher than X-ray lower than MRI) Radiation exposure
How do you interpret a CT image?
R side of pt is on the L side of the screen
Axial images: looking from the pts feet toward the head
Coronal: patient is facing you
Sagittarius: looking from the side
What plane divides superior and inferior?
Axial
What plane divides anterior and posterior planes?
Coronal
What divides right and left planes?
Sagittal
What type of imagining utilized a strong magnetic field with radio frequency pluses and collects differences in tissue signal intensities?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What are advantages to MRIs?
Superior contrast resolution
Ideal for soft tissue pathology while still good for bone pathology
Highly sensitive
Contrast compounds generally safer than CT contrast medium (gadolinium based)
What are MRI limitations?
Magnetic field Large shielded imaging site Claustrophobia Expensive One exam = one body part Takes an average of 45min
What are indications for an MRI?
Intraarticular soft tissue structures
MR arthrography
Superior sensitivity in the diagnosis of early detection of bone marrow conditions, stress fractures, osteomyelitis, and malignancy
Problem solver tool instead of initial screening tool
What test has the most radiation?
CT
What test has the least radiation?
MRI and ultra sound
What are contraindications of MRIs?
Pacemakers
Mechanical pumps
Electronic stimulators
Metal products
What type of MRI is better for anatomical assessment? And how does it present?
T1
Fat is bright and typically fluid is dark (gadolinium)