Indications for Musculoskeletal Imaging

Course overview

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.