title: Imaging in conjunction with physical therapy in management of a patient with history of thoracic tumour.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physical therapy care for musculoskeletal conditions includes an ongoing process that systematically considers and prioritises diagnostic hypotheses. These diagnostic hypotheses include those that are typical for common musculoskeletal conditions, and must also include more rare conditions that would require care outside the scope of practice of the physical therapist. When additional screening is required, physical therapists collaborate with other providers or directly order the appropriate tests to rule out suspected pathology.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article illustrates the use of musculoskeletal imaging ordered by a physical therapist to guide ongoing management of a patient with back pain and a history of cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient successfully returned to moderate-intensity sport activities after a course of physical therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case provides an example of how clinical diagnostic reasoning combined with clinical privileges to order musculoskeletal imaging can facilitate diagnostic accuracy in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
authors: US Army Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Hood, TX, USA.
authors: Daniel G
authors: DG
authors: Rendeiro
authors: Army-Baylor Doctoral Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
authors: Gail D
authors: GD
authors: Deyle
authors: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
authors: William G
authors: WG
authors: Boissonnault
keywords: Diagnosis; Meningioma; Musculoskeletal imaging; Neurofibromatosis; Schwannoma; Thoracic spine