title: Musculoskeletal imaging: types and indications.
abstract: Musculoskeletal imaging includes radiographs, computed tomography scans, bone scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and musculoskeletal ultrasonography. Each modality has its advantages and disadvantages. This article presents general guidelines regarding which imaging modality to order when evaluating patients with musculoskeletal complaints. However, it must be remembered that imaging is not meant to replace a thorough history and physical examination, but instead should be seen as a suite of methods to confirm suspected diagnoses.
authors.affiliation: Penn State Sports Medicine, Penn State University, State College, 1850 East Park Avenue, Suite 112, PA 16803, USA. Electronic address: pseidenberg@hmc.psu.edu.
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Seidenberg
authors.affiliation: University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, USA.
authors.forename: Allyson H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Howe
mesh_terms: D001842:Bone and Bones; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010808:Physical Examination; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: Computed tomography; Injury evaluation; Magnetic resonance imaging; Musculoskeletal imaging; Musculoskeletal ultrasonography; Nuclear medicine; Radiographs; Radiology