Musculoskeletal radiology deals with the body's musculoskeletal system. It examines bones, muscles, joints and soft tissues that are causing problems due to accidents, inflammation or erosion. It also involves carrying out follow-up checks on orthopaedic implants and assessing lesions in connecting and supporting tissue. Specialists work closely with colleagues in traumatology and orthopaedics, and also rheumatology and plastic surgery.
In many cases, a standard two-dimensional X-ray image is sufficient. For a better assessment of the bones, computed tomography (CT) is ideal. In special cases involving muscles, ligaments or cartilage, meanwhile, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound (US) are used. Nuclear medicine procedures (e.g. SPECT or CT) are also used to assess degenerative changes and joint replacements.
