Diagnostic Imaging of the Upper Extremity - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key imaging modalities, views, findings, and anatomy from the upper extremity diagnostic imaging lecture.

Which imaging modality is best for evaluating soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is primarily used for detailed soft tissue evaluation, and is ideal for joints, detecting edema, occult fractures, infections, and tumors.

When an acute trauma involves bone, which imaging modality is best for providing excellent bone detail and assessing the full extent of a fracture, including occult fractures?

CT (Computed Tomography) provides excellent bone detail and is utilized for detecting occult fractures as well as assessing fracture extent and healing. While X-ray is initial, CT offers superior detail for complex bone injuries.

In what clinical scenarios is Nuclear Medicine imaging typically employed for musculoskeletal assessment?

Nuclear Medicine is primarily used to assess metabolic activity in bones, detecting conditions such as increased bone turnover, osteomyelitis (bone infection), metastasis (cancer spread to bone), and AVN (Avascular Necrosis).

Explain the fundamental difference between planar and cross-sectional imaging modalities, and provide an example of each.

Planar imaging, like X-ray, provides a 2D projection view with limited depth information. Cross-sectional imaging, such as CT, MRI, and advanced Nuclear Medicine, creates detailed slices of anatomy, allowing for sectional visualization and better assessment of depth and internal structures.

When is CT Angiography (CTA) indicated in patient assessment?

CT Angiography (CTA) is indicated when there is a need to visualize arterial vasculature, such as detecting arterial occlusion (blockage) or vascular injury, typically requiring intravenous contrast.