Indications for Musculoskeletal Imaging
Presented by Dr. Robert Boyles
When patients present to you with an orthopaedic or sports related injury, do you need to order imaging immediately? Is there criteria to help you decide if imaging is, or isn’t, necessary, and if so, which imaging modality is most appropriate? Many imaging modalities are available for the evaluation of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. However, although patients are asking for high tech imaging, it does not mean better care and, in fact, can lead to harm. Using the many evidence-based imaging rules and published appropriateness criteria will help you decide if imaging is appropriate for your patient, and if so, which imaging modality should be requested. This course will briefly describe the imaging modalities and their uses available to you as a clinician, as well as the appropriateness criteria and published guidelines for each body region of interest.
Meet your instructor
Dr. Robert Boyles
Dr. Robert Boyles is a clinical professor and former program director of the University of Puget Sound’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Tacoma, Washington. Previously, he was on faculty as associate professor and director of clinical education of the US Army-Baylor University DPT program. His primary areas of…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Basics of Musculoskeletal Imaging
This chapter will cover the basics of imaging modalities: X-ray, CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound, and Scintigraphy (bone scans). Additionally, concepts of appropriateness criteria will be introduced.
2. Imaging for Patients with Cervicothoracic and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Conditions
This chapter will cover the appropriate use of imaging for patients with cervicothoracic and/or upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions. It will also cover the appropriate imaging modality necessary for best evaluation of these patients. A patient case presentation will be used as an example at the conclusion of the chapter.
3. Imaging for Patients with Lumbar Spine and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Conditions
This chapter will cover the appropriate use of imaging for patients with lumbar spine and/or lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions. It will also cover the appropriate imaging modality necessary for best evaluation of these patients. A patient case presentation will be used as an example at the conclusion of the chapter.
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