Radiology Flashcards
benefits:
low radiation
inexpensive
fast
radiograph
difference b/w CT scan and radiograph
CT is 360 degrees but they both use x-ray beams
this radiology has better detail
CT scan
Key in the evaluation of more complicatedareas where there are lots of overlapping
structures
CT
Good evaluation of soft tissues in the abdomen (with intravenous contrast agent)
CT
negatives of?
more radiation
expensive
IV contrast is risky for some pt’s
CT
better than CT
uses really powerful magnets and radiowaves to detect H atoms, more detailed
MRI
More sensitive for water/soft tissues
MRI
Even more sensitive test for fractures:
suspected stress or insufficiency fractureof the femoral neck
Excellent evaluation of soft tissues
MRI
Poor for evaluation of calcification/bone
MRI
contraindications for?
- pt cant sit still for that long
- metal in the body
- claustrophobia
- IV contrast
MRI
ABCs on evaluating bones on xray
alignment
bone density
cartilage spaces
soft tissues
Overall skeletal architecture: scoliosis, congenital abnormalities
alignment
bone contour should be
smooth
General: osteoporosis
Texture: bone organization (‘bone matrix’)
Local changes: sclerosis, lucency
bone density
in normal bone density:
what should be grey and what should be white?
grey marrow
white bone
too much white on x ray means
bone is too dense= sclerosis
Joint space width: arthritis
Subchondral bone (bone next to the cartilage):sclerosis, erosions
Physeal plates: children
cartilage spaces