Musculoskeletal Imaging, often abbreviated as MSK, describes the study of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the joints that contain those structures. MSK specialists most commonly diagnose joint and sports injuries but also provide expertise in imaging of bones and soft tissue tumors.
MRI has revolutionized the way musculoskeletal radiologists see the bones and structures inside the body. MRI images provide such extraordinary detail that physicians are able to see even very subtle damage, and use that information to help orthopedic surgeons and other physicians prepare for surgery and therapy.
Plain radiographs are the most common initial imaging study. In more complex cases, CT and nuclear medicine scans complement MR imaging for a more detailed view. Gadolinium injection of joints before MR imaging is routinely performed by our physicians; in many cases this increases the accuracy of diagnosis for joint injuries.
Musculoskeletal imaging specialists commonly diagnose or treat the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Bone and soft tissue tumors
- Bone lesions
- Cyst aspiration
- Diseases of the bones, joints and associated soft tissues
- Sports injuries
- Trauma injuries
Musculoskeletal imaging exams and procedures include:
- Biopsy
- CT
- Gadolinium injection
- MRI
- Pain management injection
- Radiograph
