Muscoloskeletal Imaging

Question 1

What is radiography best used for?

Answer 1

fast, easy, inexpensive survey that can be used to assess fracture, calcification, and joint disease

downside: displays 3D information in 2D, poor resolution on soft tissue

Question 2

What is CT best used for?

Answer 2

fast ad widely available
cross-sectional nature allows for 3D spatial localization
can be used in surgical planning and to find occult fractures

downside: significant radiation, poor soft tissue contrast, limited role in extra skeletal abnormalities

Question 3

What is a radionuclide bone scan best used for?

Answer 3

localizes to areas of increased bone turnover
good for whole skeleton survey for metastases or very occult fracture

has excellent sensitivity but poor specificity

Question 4

What is ultrasound best used for?

Answer 4

very portable, dynamic imaging, gives excellent soft tissue detail (tendon, ligament, muscle injuries) bursts and tenosynovitis, great for vascularity

can be used in ID of cysts, lipomas, superficial foreign bodies, and procedural guidance

downside: has only 10cm of penetration and does not penetrate bone, is operator dependent

Question 5

What is MRI best for?

Answer 5

outstanding soft tissue contrast, 3-D imaging, soft tissue tumor and soft tissue infection, vascular insults

can be used in occult extremity fractures (weight bearing) or spine with posterior detail

downside: requires long scan times in tight space, loud; cannot be used with metal and implanted devices, sensitive to motion degradation