Diagnostic imaging methods in the examination of the skeleton and joints

Skiagraphy
Skiagraphy is a basic examination method of bones and joints. Most bones and joints are imaged in two projections. This does not apply, for example, to the clavicle. The second projection sometimes cannot be made in immobile or uncooperative patients. In addition to the bone itself, we also evaluate the position in the joints, soft tissues, the position of the osteosynthetic material (if any) and the possible presence of foreign bodies (metal splint, cinder,...).

Projection
Most bones and joints are shown in two projections. It is used:


 * orthograde projection : the central beam passes perpendicular to the film. Usually, two projections perpendicular to each other are made, or front-back or back-front and side,
 * oblique projection, eg occipital bone(Towne projection), the central ray is not perpendicular to the film and the geometric proportions are distorted,
 * tangential projection : eg zygomatic arch,
 * tunnel projection : eg intercondylar eminence of the knee.

Special projections are named after medical personalities: eg Waters projection (semi-axial lbi image), Towne projection (occipital bone image ), Stevers projection (calcaneal bone), and many others.

Dynamic images
Dynamic images show the relative position of the bones in different phases of movement. They are most often indicated forthe spineto evaluate the dynamics (development of the spine) or the movement of the vertebral bodies during mutual displacement (olisthesis).

Stress images
Stress images can show pathology that is not apparent on "rest" images. This is most often a picture of the acromioclavicular joint (luxation inthe AC joint), less often so-called held picturesof the anklesteedwristto assess a lesion of the ligamentous apparatus. Carrying out an image ofthe knee jointwhile standing (with weight) will show the actual narrowing of the joint space inarthrosis.

Soft tissues
In addition to the skeleton (bones), it is possible to evaluate soft tissues from skiagraphic images. Of particular importance are:


 * filling of the suprapatellar recess with fluid,
 * dislocation of fat bodiesof the elbow jointwhen filled with fluid,
 * periarticular edema of soft tissues inarthritis,
 * soft tissue defect, eg with an ulcer,
 * expansion of prevertebral soft tissues during hematoma (indirect sign of fracture),
 * obscurationof the paranasal sinusesdue to fluid or hematoma.

Fluoroscopy
X-ray examination with an emphasis on time resolution is used in operating theaters when adjusting the position of bone fragments or osteosynthetic material.

Arthrography
Atrography is the imaging of a joint after it has been filled withcontrast material. Nowadays, it recedes into the background thanks to MRI.

Ultrasound
An ultrasound examination is used to examine:


 * joints: to rule out effusion, synovitis,
 * ligaments and tendons: degenerative, inflammatory and traumatic changes,
 * muscles: traumatic changes – rupture, hematoma.

CT – computed tomography
CTis used in complicatedtraumasmainly to clarify the spatial arrangement of bone fragments, which sometimes cannot be seen from a simpleX-rayimage. CT is also indicated for unclear findings from the skiagraphic examination, when using an X-ray image it is not possible to exclude traumatic changes of the skeleton. CT arthrography has receded into the background thanks to MRI.

MRI - magnetic resonance
MRI has excellent resolution for soft tissues. As the method of choice, it is used to visualize traumatic or degenerative soft tissue changes in the joint area. MRI best shows bone metastases and occult fractures that may not be visible on X-ray methods.

Skeletal scintigraphy
Radionuclide examination based on the detection of bone remodeling, in which phosphate complexes labeled with 99m Tc are used, most often 99m Tc MDP and 99m Tc HDP. The method is very sensitive, not very specific, it shows localities that are suitable for further investigation. Indications include the search andstagingof bone metastases, injuries - fractures,fatigue fractures, bone contusions, bone inflammations and others.

Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty means the filling of compressed vertebral bodieswith cement.

Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty means the filling of a cavity in a compressedvertebral body, which is created by introducing a balloon and inflating it in the vertebral body.

RFA of bone metastases
Radiofrequency ablation can also be used in the treatment of bone metastases.

Biopsies
The collection of biological material from the bone for the purpose of histological processing can be carried out either non-targetedly in the case of diffuse damage to the skeleton (eg hematological diseases), or targeted under the control of imaging methods - CT or X- ray.

Radiological archaeology
Imaging methods find special application in archeology -skiagraphyof bones, CT of body remains.