Imaging
Osteoarthritis
- Preliminary Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis
-
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
- II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
-
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
-
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
- V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosisof osteoarthritis.
- VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
Preliminary Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
Plain radiography.
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Advantages
Quick and relatively inexpensive imaging modality
Exposes patients to minimal ionizing radiation.
Highly sensitive and specific in detailing osseous abnormalities
Disadvantages
Limited in evaluating the surrounding soft tissues
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
No specific contraindications to plain radiography exist. Some institutions may require consent for pregnant patients.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
CT of the region of interest
MR imaging of the region of interest without contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosisof osteoarthritis.
CT of the region of interest
Advantages
Offers exquisite visualization of the surrounding osseous structures
Details subtle changes from osteoarthritis
Disadvantages
Exposes patients to ionizing radiation
Offers limited evaluation of the surrounding soft tissues
MR imaging of the region of interest without contrast
Advantages
Offers exquisite visualization of the surrounding soft tissues
Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
Offers limited evaluation of the underlying osseous structures
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
CT of the region of interest
May be contraindicated in patients who are pregnant
MR imaging of the region of interest without contrast
Contraindicated in patients with non–MR-compatible hardware
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