Images of What a Musculoskeletal Radiologist Sees
So what do some common major conditions look like to a radiologist? First let me explain who we are and what we do. Musculoskeletal radiologists have a medical degree, general radiology training and usually fellowship specialty training. My particular training started with an MD from Columbia University, then a residency in diagnostic radiology at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis and finally a fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology at UC San Diego. I do many types of diagnostic work, including sports injury imaging, tumors, arthritis, infections, and bone diseases. Other physicians will often order studies or we will make those decisions in conference. Basically, you see your doctor with a sore knee or shoulder, and he or she will direct you to ARA where a musculoskeletal radiologist will be carefully interpreting your scan while bringing his or her full diagnostic skills to bear on your problem. Then your physician will review our imaging report in coordination with your overall care.
People sometimes want to know how radiologists decide which studies to recommend. In the case of musculoskeletal radiology, we tailor the imaging study to the specific question or injury of concern. Sometimes, the best test is an MRI, other times CT scan, ultrasound, or bone scan. Even a standard x-ray can be the test of choice. It all depends on the individual patient and his or her specific needs.