Fundamentals of Bone X-Rays

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on bone x-rays, aimed to aid in understanding and exam preparation.

Diaphysis

The shaft of the bone.

Epiphyses

The rounded ends of the bone that articulate with other bones.

Metaphysis

The region between the diaphysis and epiphyses.

Epiphyseal Plate

A cartilage layer responsible for bone lengthening in children.

Epiphyseal Line

The ossified growth plate found in adults.

Hyaline Cartilage

A smooth, low-friction surface that reduces wear and tear on bones.

Cortical Bone

High density bone tissue responsible for bone strength, appears white on x-ray.

Medullary Bone

Less dense bone tissue that appears light gray on x-ray with a trabecular pattern.

Periosteum

A thin membrane covering the outer surface of the bone.

Periosteal Reaction

New bone formation in response to injury of the periosteum.

Subluxation

Partial dislocation of a joint.

Joint Capsule

A connective tissue structure that surrounds a joint.

Synovial Fluid

Fluid in the joint space that reduces friction during movement.

Bone Assessment Tasks

Tasks include checking for periosteal reaction, cortical integrity, unusual density changes, and medullary texture.

Acute Fracture

Fresh bone disruption with sharp edges and no callus.

Subacute Fracture

A few weeks to a few months old, with indistinct fracture lines and early callus formation.

Chronic Fracture

Fractures that have fused, with no visible fracture line.

Greenstick Fracture

An incomplete fracture common in children.

Comminuted Fracture

Fracture resulting in more than two fragments.

Intra-articular Fracture

A fracture that extends into the joint space.

Localized Density Change

Unusual localized changes in bone density that could indicate tumors.

Osteomyelitis

Bone infection which can be acute, subacute, or chronic.

Metastatic Bone Disease

Spread of cancer to the bone, often causing density changes.

Benign Tumors

Tumors with well-defined margins and sharp borders.

Malignant Tumors

Tumors that often show ill-defined margins and cortical destruction.

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease caused by cartilage breakdown.

Reactive Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis resulting from an infection elsewhere in the body.

Joint Effusion

An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the joint space.

Synovial Membrane

The membrane lining the joint space that produces synovial fluid.

Joint Space Narrowing

A common x-ray feature of arthritis indicating cartilage loss.

Osteophytes

Bony outgrowths that develop along the margins of joints in response to arthritis.

Fracture Displacement

Movement of the distal fracture fragment relative to the proximal fragment.

Density Changes

Increases or decreases in bone density that may denote various diseases.

Trabecular Pattern

The fine pattern seen within medullary bone on x-rays.

Fat Pad Sign

Indicator of joint effusion seen on x-ray.

Cross-sectional Imaging

Imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI, offering better soft tissue assessment.

Acute Osteomyelitis

Bone infection characterized by normal appearing bone on early x-rays.

Secondary Signs of Joint Effusion

Changes observed in fat pads or joint space indicators on x-ray.

Foot and Ankle Assessment

Specific views needed for a comprehensive assessment of bone injuries.

Orthogonal Views

Different perspectives of the same area for better diagnostic accuracy.