Musculoskeletal X-ray consists of using ionizing radiation to visualize the anatomy of bones, joints, and related structures. It is useful in diagnosing the diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Under musculoskeletal imaging, the bones, joints, ligaments, and other supporting structures are observed.
For musculoskeletal X-ray reporting, a licensed radiologist analyzes the X-ray scans and creates medical interpretations from the image findings. When required, the radiologists also compare the previous diagnostic reports or give a second opinion. Musculoskeletal radiology reporting can also be performed by radiologists working remotely using teleradiology services.
The three main types of musculoskeletal studies reported are explained below:
Spine and spinal cord x-rays are performed to observe the bony structures, alignment, and curvature of the vertebral column. This imaging method is performed after symptoms like back and neck pain, postural abnormalities, and degenerative spine disease are observed. Common spine conditions observed using the spinal x-ray include scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.
Joint x-rays focus on visualizing the anatomy and abnormalities associated with the joints. This imaging method is used to observe the joints in the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle regions. It is the most preferred imaging method used in the diagnosis of degenerative joint diseases. Other conditions diagnosed using joint x-rays include joint space narrowing, bony erosions, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, cyst formation, fractures, and dislocations.
Long bone or extremities X-rays are used to visualize the anatomy of the femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius, and ulna. Long bone X-rays are most commonly used in the emergency department and for post-operative diagnosis. Common conditions diagnosed using long bone x-rays include acute and stress fractures, bone lesions, deformities, infection, and abnormal bone healing. In pediatrics, this type of X-ray is used to assess growth plates and limb length discrepancies.
Using musculoskeletal x-rays, the following conditions are commonly diagnosed:
Fractures
Stress fractures
Dislocations
Subluxations
Bone contusions
Muscle tears
Ligament injuries
Tendon ruptures
Joint effusions
Osteoarthritis
Degenerative joint disease
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylosis
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal canal stenosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Reactive arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Gout
Pseudogout
Osteomyelitis
Septic arthritis
Tuberculous arthritis
Soft tissue abscess
Pyomyositis
Benign bone tumors
Malignant bone tumors
Soft tissue tumors
Skeletal metastases
Multiple myeloma
Osteoporosis
Osteopenia
Osteomalacia
Paget’s disease of bone
Renal osteodystrophy
Skeletal dysplasias
Developmental dysplasia of the hip
Scoliosis
Kyphosis
Limb length discrepancy
Tendinopathy
Stress reactions
Meniscal injuries
Rotator cuff disease
Impingement syndromes
Bursitis
Myositis
Muscle atrophy
Compartment syndrome
Ganglion cysts
Avascular necrosis
Bone infarcts
Hemophilic arthropathy
Prosthesis loosening
Periprosthetic fractures
Hardware failure
Post-surgical infection
Charcot joint
Synovial disorders
Foreign bodies
The workflow to obtain radiological interpretation for musculoskeletal scans is explained below:
The musculoskeletal imaging is performed by an on-site technician at the healthcare/diagnostic facility.
To maintain consistency, there are standardized protocols in place.
The images obtained are checked for the required quality and compliance with the imaging protocols.
The images obtained after the musculoskeletal procedure are sent to Statim for further analysis.
Along with the images, the patient’s clinical data, such as current condition, urgency level, signs and symptoms, previous clinical history, etc., are sent.
At Statim, a suitable radiology expert is selected based on the clinical requirements and the type of musculoskeletal imaging performed.
The radiologist reviews the musculoskeletal scas for abnormalities like fractures, dislocations, tissue rupture, tissue degeneration, and abnormal tissue growth.
The radiologist must differentiate these abnormalities in the X-ray scans from artifacts to prevent any false results.
Additionally, the radiologist must also correlate the patient’s clinical information along with the image findings to accurately determine the etiology of the patient’s condition.
After the analysis and interpretation of the X-ray scans, a final report is prepared by the radiologist.
This report is signed electronically and converted into an encrypted format to maintain medical credibility.
The final reports are then sent to the healthcare facility using the institutional PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), RIS (Radiology Information System), or a secure email delivery system.
These measures are taken to ensure the patient’s data safety.
At Statim Healthcare, we offer quality musculoskeletal radiology services by expert radiologists and subspecialists. To provide the best services to our partners, we ensure expert radiologist recruitment, compliance with regional and international standards, rigorous quality control, and strict data security.
The best imaging modality for musculoskeletal imaging is based upon the patient’s clinical condition, signs and symptoms, level of urgency, etc. E.g., a joint X-ray is best to look for growth-plate development, whereas a chest X-ray must be used to visualize rib fractures.
Musculoskeletal X-ray primarily utilizes ionizing radiation, which has a risk of radiation exposure. However, professionals and technicians are trained to use the safest dose of radiatio preventing any permanent damage.
Yes. Musculoskeletal X-ray (when justified and performed properly) gives valuable insights into the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system and the abnormalities in it. This information is crucial for guiding medical decisions.
Most of the musculoskeletal X-ray studies require very little or no preparation to be done before the process. It requires the removal of any metal objects, and nuclear medicine may have some protocol-specific preparations.
Yes. Musculoskeletal X-ray imaging procedures are considered safe to a large extent. The only concern might be radiation exposure, which can be mitigated by proper study justification, standardized protocols, and following the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.