Common Orthopedic Imaging Tests
X-ray Imaging
X-ray, one of the most used and crucial imaging modalities, is often taken in two planes such as anterior-posterior and lateral. Here are some resources to learn more about x-rays as it pertains to orthopedics:
- Introduction to reading orthopedic x-rays lecture
- How to describe fractures lecture
- Examples of closed and open fractures and c-spine abnormalities lecture
- MSK Trauma Radiology Masterclass - Upper limb
- MSK Trauma Radiology Masterclass - Lower limb
- MSK Trauma Radiology Masterclass – Axial skeleton
- Giesel School of Medicine X-ray anatomy practice (Upper & Lower Limb)
- Principles of Fracture Fixation By Barbara N Weissman at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Harvard)
- Dr Elin Alaia MSK Radiologist Basic Approach to MSK trauma lecture (from NYU)
- MSK X-ray Cases on Radiopaedia
- Spine X-ray Cases on Radiopaedia
- Ottawa Ankle rules
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is another diagnostic exam used primarily to examine bones, joints and soft tissue for a variety of diseases and to assess the outcomes of corrective procedures. Below are further resources to refine your skills to understand MRI in the context of orthopedic surgery:
- Radiology Masterclass: Basics of MRI Interpretation Tutorial
- MRI of the spine: A Guide for Orthopedic Surgeons
- MSK MRI Cases on Radiopaedia
- Spine MRI Cases on Radiopaedia
- Trauma MRI Cases on Radiopaedia
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee PMC Article
- MRI Atlas of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Knee (login through your institution)
- Magnetic resonance imaging of the hip: anatomy and pathology
- Spine MRI Made Easy
- MILLER'S 2016 Orthopaedics: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lecture
- Spine Lecture: How to Read a Cervical MRI
- MRI Hip Made Easy Lecture
- Hip MRI (Approach to MSK MRI Series) Radiology Lecture
- MRI of the Knee
- How to read a knee MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography (CT) scans provide high quality images and 3D reconstruction from axial, coronal, and sagittal views that allow for more precise visualization of bones relative to X-rays, albeit exposing patients to higher radiation doses.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a simple, rapid, and cheap method of imaging that is essential for evaluating soft tissue, fractures, joint effusions, musculoskeletal masses, nerve entrapment, and provides guidance for injections.
- Ultrasound in the diagnosis of clinical orthopedics: The orthopedic stethoscope
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Orthopedic and Rheumatic disease in Adults
- An orthopaedic surgeon's guide to ultrasound imaging of the healthy, pathological and postoperative shoulder
- Ultrasonography for the orthopaedic surgeon
- MSK US Cases Radiopaedia
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound Basics
- How to Read MSK Ultrasound of the Shoulder
- Ultrasound Examination of the Knee
- Basic Hip Ultrasound
- How to detect joint effusions with ultrasound
Additional Resources
- Here is a great resource made by Med Apparatus providing an imaging guide to orthopedic devices including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound exams (US). It is inspired by the Cambridge University’s “Radiologic Guide to Orthopedic Devices”.
- The University of Washington has created an online Musculoskeletal Radiology Book Syllabus to introduce students to various diseases that can be diagnosed using imaging. Relevant chapters include fractures, joint prosthesis, skeletal dysplasia, and arthritis.
- Visit Radiopaedia's Home Page for a comprehensive radiology resource.
- Explore MSK Case Quizzes to test your knowledge.
- Read through MSK Articles for detailed studies and findings.
- Check out Spine Quizzes to challenge your understanding of spine imaging.
- Dive into Spine Articles for a deeper look into spine-related imaging and pathology.
- Learn more about Imaging of Musculoskeletal Disorders at Radiology Masterclass.
- Watch Miller’s Orthopaedic Lectures: Radiology (Uniformed Services University, Bethesda Maryland) and many other videos on his channel for comprehensive learning.
- Subscribe to the Orthopaedic Principles YouTube Channel for a variety of educational content.