Imaging

Abstract

It uses ionising radiation.

The density of tissue is proportional to the degree to which the beam is attenuated.

It is easy and less expensive means of assessing bone disease.

• Limited use in soft tissue pathology and cartilage pathology.

• Significant radiation exposure is another limiting factor.

• Discography: primarily used to localise intervertebral disc-related pain. Water-soluble contrast medium is injected into the nucleus pulposus. X-ray images may show fissures and defects in annulus fibrosus.