ABSTRACT
Radiographs are indicated in all fractures and dislocations. Radiographs are often sufficient for diagnosis in general bone conditions such as Paget’s disease. Most bone tumours and other focal bone lesions are characterized by clinical history and plain radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) are used for staging or to assess specific complications of these lesions, but usually add little to the diagnostic specificity of radiographs. Multidetector CT is used for further delineation of complex fractures. Common indications include depressed fracture of the tibial plateau, comminuted fracture of the calcaneus, and fractures involving articular surfaces. Bone scintigraphy, commonly known as ‘bone scan’, is performed with diphosphonate-based radiopharmaceuticals such as mTc-methylene diphosphonate. Bone scintigraphy is highly sensitive and therefore able to demonstrate pathologies such as subtle undisplaced fractures, stress fractures and osteomyelitis prior to radiographic changes becoming apparent. Musculoskeletal US is used to assess the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, that is tendons, ligaments and muscles.
