Don’t Throw Away Your Trusty X-Ray Machine Just Yet!
By Andrew Vitiello

A recent US study published in the journal, Skeletal Radiology, found that the use of plain film X-rays greatly improved the radiographic interpretation of Musculoskeletal MR Images (MSK-MRI) for conditions such as trauma, infections/inflammation and degenerative conditions. It was found that plain film x-rays had a greater than normal effect in standardizing between a clinical and radiographic diagnosis compared to when plain films were not available.

Over a period of 12 months, 1002 patients had a total of 1030 MSK-MRI performed at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Centre. The results showed that when plain films were included in the final MSK-MRI analysis, it improved the overall reading of the images in 61-75% of cases.

The authors concluded that plain film radiographs were important and sometimes “essential”, especially when reading and commenting on MR Image’s of trauma and infection/inflammation and degenerative conditions. (X²=60.95, df=16, P<0.0001). The authors also recommended that plain film radiographs be available when interpreting future MSK MRI studies.

Keywords: Radiograph, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tumor, infection, fracture, calcification, chondrocalcinosis.

Reference:

• Taljanovic MS, Hunter TB, Fitzpatrick KA, Krupinski EA, Pope TL Jr. Musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging: importance of radiography. Skeletal Radiol. 2003 Jun 3 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 12783223.