Diagnostic Procedures of the Skeletal System

Flashcards covering diagnostic procedures for the skeletal system including imaging techniques and bone density tests.

What is radiography?

Also known as X-ray imaging, it uses a form of electromagnetic radiation to create images used to visualize bone fractures and other abnormalities of hard tissue internal structures.

What is arthroscopy?

A visual examination of the internal structure of a joint using an instrument called an arthroscope.

What does the term 'arthro' and 'scope' mean in the word arthroscopy?

Arthro means joint and scope means visual examination.

What is a bone marrow biopsy?

A diagnostic test that may be necessary after abnormal types or numbers of red or white blood cells are found in a complete blood count test.

What is bone marrow aspiration and what are its uses?

The use of a syringe to withdraw tissue from the red bone marrow to obtain tissue for diagnostic purposes or to collect bone marrow for medical procedures such as stem cell transplantation.

What is Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used to image?

Soft tissue structures such as the interior of complex joints; it is not the most effective method of imaging hard tissue such as bone.

What is the purpose of bone density testing (BDT)?

To determine losses or changes in bone density and diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteopenia, and Paget’s disease.

How is bone density measured and where is it usually tested?

It measures the amount of mineral in the bones, usually in the hip and spine, and compares the results with an established norm.

What is ultrasonic bone density testing?

A screening test for osteoporosis or other conditions that cause a loss of bone mass, using sound waves to take measurements of the calcaneus (heel bone).

What is Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)?

A low exposure radiographic measurement of the spine and hips used to measure bone density that produces more accurate results than ultrasonic bone density testing.