Locations & Hours | Radiology Services & Procedures | Insurance Info | Policies & Payments Musculoskeletal Radiology Musculoskeletal Radiology refers to the examination of the bones, joints, and muscles of the body with plain films (conventional x-rays), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT or CAT scan), arthrography and nuclear medicine bone scan. It also encompasses newer procedures including ultrasound evaluation of the musculoskeletal system and therapeutic procedures such as vertebroplasty. Following are descriptions of the various procedures and their uses in musculoskeletal radiology: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging can evaluate injury to muscles, bones, and joints including fracture; contusion (bone bruise); tear and sprain (partial tear) of muscles, cartilage (including the meniscus of the knee and labrum of the shoulder), and tendons. It also reveals inflammation, irritation and swelling in and around bones (osteomyelitis), joints (arthritis), tendons(tendinitis), and even small sacs between and around bone, muscles, skin or tendons (bursitis). In the spine, MRI can also display herniated and bulging discs, narrowing of the spinal canal and arthritic or degenerative change (spondylosis) that can lead to pain, numbness, and weakening. Finally, it can look for both benign masses and malignant tumors (cancer) in the musculoskeletal system. Computerized Tomography (CT) CT can reveal subtle fractures that may not be visible on routine x-rays. It provides important information in determining the severity of injuries to the spine. It helps to display the anatomy of joints for repair of complex fractures and reconstructive surgery. When MRI can’t be used, CT Myelography (CT following injection of contrast into the spinal canal) is able to show herniated and bulging discs and narrowing of the spinal canal. Plain Films (Routine x-ray films) The first use of X-rays in medicine, over 100 years ago, was for the evaluation of bones. Today, plain films still serve as the initial examination in most cases of musculoskeletal trauma since they detect most fractures and dislocations. Arthrography In arthrography, dye, and in some cases, air is injected into joints before x-ray films are made. This procedure has largely been replaced by MRI for the evaluation of joints, but is still used occasionally alone or with MRI in the wrist, hip or shoulder to help detect subtle ligamentous, tendinous or labral tears. Bone Scan In this nuclear medicine study, a special camera makes images of parts of the body or of the entire body after a very small injection of radiotracer. Radiotracer is a radioactive chemical, which quickly breaks down and leaves the body A bone scan can detect fractures, infection and malignant tumors (cancer) that are not visible on plain films of bones. Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty is the injection of a stabilizing material into compression fractures of the spine which are most common in elderly women with bones weakened by osteoporosis, Because compression fractures can severely impair health and lifestyle, vertebroplasty provides a means to prevent further compression, stabilize fractures and markedly reduce pain symptoms. Additional information can be found in the article on Vertebroplasty.