Preliminary Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis
I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis?
- Plain radiography.
II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Advantages
- Quick and relatively inexpensive imaging modality
- Exposes patients to minimal ionizing radiation.
- Highly sensitive and specific in detailing osseous abnormalities
Disadvantages
- Limited in evaluating the surrounding soft tissues
III. What are the contraindications for the first-line imaging technique?
- No specific contraindications to plain radiography exist. Some institutions may require consent for pregnant patients.
IV. What alternative imaging techniques are available?
- CT of the region of interest
- MR imaging of the region of interest without contrast
V. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative techniques for diagnosisof osteoarthritis.
CT of the region of interest
Advantages
- Offers exquisite visualization of the surrounding osseous structures
- Details subtle changes from osteoarthritis
Disadvantages
- Exposes patients to ionizing radiation
- Offers limited evaluation of the surrounding soft tissues
MR imaging of the region of interest without contrast
Advantages
- Offers exquisite visualization of the surrounding soft tissues
- Does not expose patients to ionizing radiation
Disadvantages
- Offers limited evaluation of the underlying osseous structures
VI. What are the contraindications for the alternative imaging techniques?
CT of the region of interest
- May be contraindicated in patients who are pregnant
MR imaging of the region of interest without contrast
- Contraindicated in patients with non–MR-compatible hardware
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