Radiologic Studies (Musculoskeletal)

Front 1

Radiography (X-ray)

Back 1

Purpose:
measures density, texture & alignment of the bone

Preparation:
No metal or jewelry.
Lie still
Verify patient is not pregnant

Front 2

Ultrasonography

Back 2

Purpose:
visualizes soft tissue by sound waves. Used to detect masses and fluid accumulation.

Preparation:
None

Front 3

Nuclear Bone Scan

Back 3

Purpose:
Injection of an IV radioactive material that is taken up by the bone. Allows visualization of entire skeleton. Detects malignancies, osteporosis, osteomyelitis.

Preparation:
Do not perform during pregnancy. Radioactive isotopes harmful to fetus.
No harm unless pregnanct
Painless,, takes about 1 hour
Empty bladder prior to rest

Front 4

Arthrogram

Back 4

Purpose:
Examines soft tissue of joints (usually shoulder and knee)

Preparation:
Assess for iodine allergies! Requires injection of contrast media into joint.
May be swelling for several days after test. Ace wrap, elevate & apply ice.
Rest for 10-12 hours post-procedure with joint elevated.

Front 5

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Back 5

Purpose:
Noninvasive, uses magnetic energy to view soft tissue.
Useful in diagnosing tumor, tears, disc disease, osteomyelitis.

Preparation:
Painless, but may induce claustrophobia.
Must lie still 30 minutes or more.
No metal objects (fillings are OK),, pacemakers or aneurysm clips.

Front 6

Diskogram

Back 6

Purpose:
Injection of contrast media into vertebral disc space to determine herniation.

Preparation:
Pre & post procedure care same

Front 7

Tomography

Back 7

Purpose:
Focus is on soft tissue hidden by overlying bone structure. Diagnoses soft tissue trauma or disorders.

Preparation:
Requires lying still in cylindrical scanner. Assess four claustrophobia, otherwise no special care.

Front 8

Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)

Back 8

Purpose:
Scans soft tissue and bones by use of X-ray & computers.
Give 3-dimensional view.
Detects tumors and some fractures

Preparation:
Takes 30 minutes per body part

Front 9

Arthroscopy (

Back 9

Purpose:
Day surgery procedure performed in OR under general anesthesia.
Allows direct visualization of joint.
May be used as a diagnostic study or to collect specimens for biopsy or to perform minor repairs

Preparation:
NPO prior to procedure.
Postop monitor VS, fluids when nausea subsides.
Monitor CSM or affected extremity.
Elevate affected joint, monitor dressing with each VS.
Limit activity for a few days postop.

Front 10

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorpitometry (DEXA)

Back 10

Purpose:
Measures bone mass of spine, femur, forearm, and total body.
Used to diagnose metabolic bone disease and to monitor changes in bone density with treatment.

Preparation:
Painless procedure

Front 11

Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS)

Back 11

Purpose:
Evaluates density, elasticity and strength of patella and calcaneus during ultrasound.

Preparation:
Painless procedure

Front 12

Electromyogram

Back 12

Purpose:
Evaluates electrical potential associated with skeletal muscle contraction.
Needles are inserted into certain muscles, electrical charge is administered and electrical activity of muscles is traced on paper.
Provides information about motor neuron dysfunction and primary muscle disease.

Preparation:
Done in a lab while client lies supine on a special table.
Client is awake during procedure. There is discomfort when needles are inserted. No caffeine or sedatives 24-hours prior to procedure.

Front 13

Thermography

Back 13

Purpose:
Infrared detector measures degree of heat radiating from skin surface. Used to investigate cause of inflamed joint.

Preparation:
Noninvasive and painless