Radiographic tools for assessment of pathologic cartilage calcification.
Both hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage can calcify in a variety of pathologic conditions. Traditionally, plain film radiographs have been used to diagnose such calcifications; however, only when the calcifications have adequately mineralized are they radiographically apparent. Cross-sectional imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography can often demonstrate cartilage calcifications before they are radiographically apparent, thus yielding earlier detection of disease processes. Cartilage calcifications have a distinct appearance on each of these various imaging modalities. A working knowledge of the typical locations of cartilage calcific deposits as well as their appearance on various imaging modalities is necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Sofka
Carolyn M
CM
Department of Radiology and Imaging Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA. sofkac@hss.edu
Ghelman
Bernard
B
D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods
D017886:Durapatite