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Radiography Limitations and Pitfalls

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Pitfalls in Musculoskeletal Radiology

Abstract

Radiography is often the first-line imaging modality in the workup of musculoskeletal conditions. Radiographs are widely available, inexpensive, and well tolerated and can be rapidly and easily obtained. Although advanced imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are still often required for more detailed assessment of structures such as bone marrow and various soft tissues, radiographs still play an important complementary role. As with any imaging modality, radiography has inherent limitations. For example, soft tissue injuries are not accurately evaluated on the radiograph due to poor soft tissue resolution. Radiography is also limited in the assessment of conditions such as early osteomyelitis and undisplaced acute fractures, both of which can be radiographically occult. Certain scenarios make it challenging or impossible to accurately interpret radiographs, for example, when an external cast obscures the bone or when a background of osteopenia results in a paucity of osseous detail. Other potential pitfalls in relation to radiographic technique, patient positioning, and anatomical area of coverage can be encountered.

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Abbreviations

ALARA:

As low as reasonably achievable

CT:

Computed tomography

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

US:

Ultrasound

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore, 768828, Republic of Singapore

    Keynes T. A. Low MBBS, MMed, FRCR & Wilfred C. G. Peh MD, FRCPE, FRCPG, FRCR

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  1. Keynes T. A. Low MBBS, MMed, FRCR
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  2. Wilfred C. G. Peh MD, FRCPE, FRCPG, FRCR
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wilfred C. G. Peh MD, FRCPE, FRCPG, FRCR .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore

    Wilfred C. G. Peh

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Low, K.T.A., Peh, W.C.G. (2017). Radiography Limitations and Pitfalls. In: Peh, W. (eds) Pitfalls in Musculoskeletal Radiology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53496-1_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53496-1_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-53496-1

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