Principles of Imaging

Imaging supports the diagnosis of sport and exercise medicine (SEM) problems but never replaces a careful history and examination.

The right test depends on the suspected pathology, its depth and site, and the specific clinical question. Radiographs are often first-line for a suspected fracture, malalignment or osteoarthritis; ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show most soft-tissue problems; computed tomography (CT) gives detailed bony anatomy. Only some of these use ionising radiation.