Musculoskeletal and joint imaging Flashcards
What are the primary imaging modalities for musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging?
Plain radiographs, nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Which MSK imaging modality is usually the first choice?
Plain radiographs
What is a key advantage of plain radiographs?
They are widely available and inexpensive
What MSK imaging technique is excellent for assessing soft tissues?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
What MSK imaging technique is excellent for assessing bones?
Computed tomography (CT)
Which MSK imaging technique allows dynamic imaging?
Ultrasound
What is a major limitation of MRI?
It is not patient-friendly and is expensive
What are the major categories of MSK diseases?
Trauma, congenital, infections, tumors, metabolic, bone dysplasia, inflammatory diseases
What type of fracture does not penetrate the skin?
Closed (simple) fracture
What is an open fracture?
A fracture that penetrates the skin (compound fracture)
What is a comminuted fracture?
A fracture with two or more bone fragments
What is an avulsion fracture?
A fracture where a portion of bone is torn away
Which bacteria cause 90% of suppurative osteomyelitis cases?
Staphylococcus aureus
What are the main routes of spread in osteomyelitis?
Hematogenous, contiguous, direct implantation, postoperative
What is the most common malignant bone tumor?
Metastatic bone tumors
Which primary malignant bone tumor is characterized by “punched out” lesions?
Multiple myeloma
Which primary malignant bone tumor has a “sunburst” appearance?
Osteosarcoma
Which primary malignant bone tumor shows “onion skin” periosteal response?
Ewing’s sarcoma
What is the hallmark radiographic feature of osteoarthritis?
Non-uniform loss of joint space and osteophyte formation
Which arthritic disorder involves the deposition of sodium monourate crystals?
Gout
What imaging modality is the starting point for most MSK conditions?
Plain radiographs
