← Diagnostic Imaging class notes
FROM MY PT SCHOOL NOTES · DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING · UNIT 1 · CHAPTER 02
A consistent image search pattern
Review the relevant anatomy and imaging question before deciding what the finding may mean for rehabilitation.
Key imaging concepts
- Apply a systematic review rather than jumping directly to the obvious abnormality. A useful class-note mnemonic is ABCS: alignment, bones, cartilage/joint spacing, soft tissues.
- Alignment: inspect axes, joint congruence and dislocation/subluxation. Bones: follow the cortex and trabecular pattern. Cartilage/joints: examine space and articular margins. Soft tissues: check swelling, effusions and calcifications.
- Use more than one orthogonal view when relevant. A seemingly normal radiograph cannot reliably exclude all occult fractures and soft-tissue injuries.
ABCS search pattern
A: Alignment · B: Bone/cortex · C: Cartilage and joint space · S: Soft tissues. A memory aid for a systematic description, not a radiologist report.
PT clinical connection
Describe findings rather than claiming a definitive radiologic diagnosis outside your professional scope.
High-yield distinction
Use an ordered search: Describe the observation first (e.g. interrupted cortex) and the possible significance second; do not equate a finding with a definitive diagnosis.
Course source: 2 Search Patterns.pdf; 1.pdf; 3 Part 1.pdf. These are educational notes, not image reading certification or a substitute for an official report. Imaging orders and interpretation rights vary with professional scope and state law; image examples must be clinically verified and properly licensed.
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