Imaging Techniques essays

Imaging Techniques essays Discuss application of imaging technology for detection of abnormalities of musculoskeletal system. Today there are many different types of imaging technology for the detection of abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system. These include: The contents of this report will briefly discuss the application of all the aforementioned imaging techniques, and will touch on some of the musculoskeletal abnormalities they can be used to diagnose. The focus of this report, however, will be on Computed Tomography, Arthrography and Magnetic Resonance. Computer tomography (also called CT or CAT scans) was first made public in 1972 and was said to be the most significant development in clinical use of x-rays since their discovery by Roentgen (Oldendorf et al. 1988 **book*). CT uses specialised X-ray equipment, with the aid of a computer, to produce cross-sections of several types of tissue including lung, bone, and soft tissue. A great advantage of this technology is its ability to produce clear detailed images of blood vessels, very small bones and the surrounding tissue. Computed tomography has a vast array of uses including detection, sizing, and precisely locating tumours and cancers. It is also used in trauma cases as it can quickly identify damage to many of the internal organs. When it comes to the musculoskeletal area, CT has proven to be of great benefit. In trauma injuries, for instance, CT has been extremely important in both the axial and appendicular skeleton because of its ability to demonstrate cross-sectional anatomy and then display any additional plane with re-formations (Webb et al. 1998). CT can also show even the smallest of bones and muscle tissue in great detail and is therefore especially useful in complex joint abnormalities. For example, joints such as the hip or shoulder when viewed under plain film examination can hide multiple fractures or loose bodies. (Webb et al, 1998 ***book***) There are also so...