PODIATRIC MEDICAL IMAGING

Catalog description

Course encompasses the fundamentals of modern musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology. Podiatric physicians and surgeons are licensed to perform and interpret plain radiographic foot and ankle images as well as order advanced modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound and Radionuclide Imaging studies. The course therefore is weighted toward plain-radiographic imaging of the ankle and foot. At the outset, the stepwise/general process of interpretation (whether MRI, CT or plain-image radiography) is introduced. Basic categorization of abnormal Musculoskeletal (MSK) findings is covered in the introductory lecture in order to generate appropriate differential diagnoses. The course covers pedal biomechanical radiographic evaluation as a foundation to identifying pedal pathomechanics. The focus shifts to common MSK imaging pathologies starting with the pedal arthropathies, infection, the diabetic foot and neuro-osteoarthropathy (Charcot arthropathy), metabolic disorders and bone tumors. Advanced modalities such as radionuclide imaging, MRI and CT and MSK ultrasound are also covered.