IMAGING TESTS FOR ARTHRITIS
Doctors can “look inside” your joint with various diagnostic imaging tests.
- X-RAY: x-rays are the oldest diagnostic imaging test, using radiation to create a simple photo of the surfaces of bones and joints. Often, people think that x-rays “don’t show anything”. However, x-rays are extremely useful in musculoskeletal medicine. Joint alignment, erosions, and “wear and tear” breakdown can be seen on x-rays. A normal x-ray does not mean that the test as a waste of time—it rules out many conditions. In many cases, damage seen on x-ray will not need any further imaging evaluation.
- MRI: MRI uses magnets integrated with a computer to create cross-sectional images. MRI is great for evaluating soft tissue in and around the joint when needed. There should be a specific need for an MRI, but it should not be done “just to see what’s really going on”.
- CT SCAN: CT scan uses high doses of radiation coupled with a computer to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body. When x-ray shows an abnormality in bone, a CT will often be better than an MRI,
- ULTRASOUND: ultrasound is useful because it is a dynamic test that can observe muscles and joints while they are in motion. There may not be too many instances where an ultrasound test will be needed in the workup for arthritis.
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