radiology Flashcards
what scans are soft tissue shown by
- CT
- MRI
where does the neural foramen lie
inferior to the pedicle
what is the posterior arch comprised of
2 pedicles
2 laminae
1 spinous process
2 transverse processes
does C1 have a vertebral body
no
when is CT used to image spina trauma
- more detail required
- to see if any more fractures are present
- X-ray normal but high clinical suspicion of high energy injury, associated head injury or abnormal neurological examination
what on x-ray and CT implies intact ligaments and stable spine
seeing normal vertebral alignment
how do damaged ligaments appear on MRI
light
how would bone sclerosis show on X-ray and CT
zones of increased bone density
how would bone destruction show on x-ray and CT
normal structures become invisible
what happens to intervertebral discs when there is disease
they dehydrate
- disc material may herniate through the disc lining into the spinal canal
- herniated disc material may press on spinal nerves
- nerve pressure produces sciatica
which scan shows lower lumbar prolapse
CT and MRI
which is best to see the spinal cord
MRI
how can you diagnose OA on a radiograph
- asymmetric cartilage wear leads to asymmetric joint space reduction
- increase in subchondral bone vascularity and cellularity drives new bone formation leading to scelrosis of subchondral bone
- weakened bone may cave in
diagnosis of RA on radiographs
- soft tissue swelling
- periarticular osteoporosis
- bone destruction at joint margins
- bone shortening
- ligaments stretch further
- deformity
- subluxation
diagnosing seronegative arthritis on radiographs
- sacroiliac joint and spine involvement
- ill defined periarticular new bone formation
- ossification of ligaments and bone fusion
