Osteoarthritis

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