← Diagnostic Imaging class notes
FROM MY PT SCHOOL NOTES · DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING · UNIT 1 · CHAPTER 03
Choosing between X-ray, CT, MRI and diagnostic ultrasound
Review the relevant anatomy and imaging question before deciding what the finding may mean for rehabilitation.
Key imaging concepts
- Radiographs are commonly first-line when fracture, joint alignment, or bony degeneration is the clinical question. CT depicts cortical bone and complex osseous anatomy well but involves ionizing radiation.
- MRI provides soft-tissue and marrow contrast without ionizing radiation, but has device-specific screening concerns and is not automatically needed for nonspecific symptoms.
- Diagnostic ultrasound can dynamically examine superficial tendon, muscle and fluid collections; performance is operator-dependent and deep/bony structures are limited.
Match the modality to the question
Radiography: bony alignment and common fractures. CT: complex bone detail and certain acute questions. MRI: soft tissue and marrow. Diagnostic ultrasound: selected dynamic superficial structures. Choice also depends on urgency, contraindications and appropriateness criteria.
PT clinical connection
Choose the imaging question from history and examination first; an image is valuable only when it can change management.
High-yield distinction
Each modality answers different questions: Contrast and implant screening are patient- and protocol-specific. Availability does not make imaging indicated.
Course source: 3 CT.pdf; 3 MRI.pdf; 4 Ultrasonography.pdf; 4 Ezell US lecture.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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