radiologic eval and dx

Question 1

ABCs of analysis

Answer 1

alignment
bone density
cartilage spaces
soft tissues

Question 2

alignment abnorms

Answer 2

-supernumerary bones
-congenital
-absence of bone
-developmental deformity

contour:
-cortical, avulsion, impaction frx
-spurring
-prior sx

align to adjacent bone:
-frx
-dislocation
-sublux

Question 3

Bone density abnorm

Answer 3

-loss of bone density
-thinning/absence cortical margin

texture:
-fluffy, thin, delicate, coarsened, smudged

local change:
-osteophytes
-excess sclerosis
-reactive sclerosis

Question 4

Cartilage spaces abnorms

Answer 4

width: decreased

subchondral bone: increased sclerosis, erosion

epiphyseal plate: position, size, borders

Question 5

Soft tissues abnorms

Answer 5

muscles: wasting, swelling

fat pads and fat lines: blurring, displacement

joint capsules: distension

periosteum: observe reactions

misc: foreign bodies, gas bubbles, calcifications radiopaque

Question 6

OP findings

Answer 6

-cortical thinning
-low bone mass (30% reduction)
-trabecular changes
-frxs

DXA-best precision w/ low radiation dose

Question 7

Infection bone findings (osteomyelitis)

Answer 7

ST swelling 24-48 hrs after onset
radiolucent lesion 7-10 days
sequestra 6-8 weeks
draining sinus tracts

Question 8

Joints infec (septic arthritis)

Answer 8

ST swell
joint effusion
periarticular rarefaction
joint space narrowing
subchondral bone erosion

Question 9

soft tissues infec (cellulitis)

Answer 9

ST swell
radiolucent streaks/bubbles representing gas gangrene