Viewing & Interpreting Plain Film Radiographs Flashcards
ABCs for organizing radiographic analysis
- A = alignment
- B = bone density
- C = cartilage spaces
- S = soft tissues
general skeletal architecture, contour of bone, alignment of bones relative to adjacent structures
alignment;
need to know normal skeletal anatomy to note abnormal findings such as extra/absent bones, rough/interrupted cortical outlines, anatomical relationships not maintained
fractures, dislocations, subluxations, bony overgrowth
common pathological alignments
general and local densities, texture abnormalities, areas of localized changes
bone density
bone density observations
- contrast indicating demineralization/bone density loss
- trabecular patterns
- sclerosis
denser _____ bone = white; less dense ______ bone = less white
denser cortical bone; less dense cancellous bone
loss of contract indicates ______ of bone density
loss
degree of mineralization dependent upon:
- patient age
- level of stress placed on skeleton
- disease state
localized area of increased density (whiter)
sclerosis;
indicative of repair process
thin, coarsened, smudged, fluffy
terms for changes in trabecular patterns
joint space width and epiphyseal plates
cartilage space
can cartilaginous tissue be observed on plain film radiograph?
no (epiphyseal plates also = cartilage)
however, info can be gathered by examination of the space that appears on the film
typical/normal joint space observations
- symmetry within and btw joints
- smooth outline
- note whether or not film was taken during WB or non-WB
- size and space relative to skeletal maturity
- contralateral films for comparison
- Salter-Harris fx classification for epiphyseal involvement
muscle, joint capsule, periosteum
soft tissues
can soft tissues be observed on plain film radiographs?
not ordinarily clear;
under abnormal conditions associated c/ pathology/trauma useful clinical info can be gathered
gross swelling in m. and joint capsule may be indicated by:
- increased whiteness
- increased joint space
periosteal reactions to abnormal conditions
solid, laminated or onion-skin, spiculated or sunburst
solid periosteal reaction
benign processes such as fx healing
laminated or onion-skinned
repetitive trauma and several forms of cancer
spiculated or sunburst
malignant bone lesions
soft tissue reactions to abnormalities
gas, calcifications, foreign bodies
gas
soft tissue will appear dark; indicates gangrene
calcifications
indicates old trauma; also seen in vessels and organs
soft tissue observations:
- swelling in m. and joint capsule
- perisosteal reactions
- gas, calcification, foreign bodies
