Musculoskeletal imaging services and procedures at Penn Medicine
We offer a wide range of imaging services, including image-guided interventional procedures, to diagnose and treat many musculoskeletal conditions. Radiologists work alongside oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, and other experts to ensure you receive complete care.
An X-ray is a quick, painless, and noninvasive exam. The scan uses a safe dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of your bones and joints.
Your health-care provider may recommend an X-ray to diagnose a fracture, dislocation, or arthritis. We also use a type of X-ray technology called fluoroscopy to guide certain orthopedic procedures such as fracture repair or joint replacement.
A CT scan uses X-rays to take multiple cross-sectional pictures of structures inside your body. A computer turns the images into a three-dimensional (3D) image.
CT scans provide more detail than standard X-rays. We may do a CT scan to evaluate complex fractures or orthopedic hardware, such as joint prostheses.
Our specialty CT services include:
- Weight-bearing CT: takes pictures of your lower body while in a standing position to evaluate foot, ankle, and knee stability and alignment
- Dual-energy CT: uses two X-ray beams to evaluate chemical substances in your body, making it particularly useful for diagnosing (a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in your joints)
- CT arthrography: uses an injection of a contrast material to examine joints and diagnose problems with cartilage, ligaments, or tendons
- CT-guided bone biopsy: uses a needle to take a sample of bone to diagnose bone pain, bone cancer, infection, and inflammation
EOS is a standing X-ray of your spine and lower body that uses a low dose of radiation (up to seven times less than standard X-ray). We use this sophisticated technology at the Penn Adult Spine Deformity Program to evaluate scoliosis, kyphosis, and other disorders.
MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves (no radiation) to take pictures of your bones, muscles, and joints. We use MRI to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries, degenerative disorders, and tumors. MR arthrography uses MRI technology and a contrast dye to diagnose problems with soft tissues in and around joints.
Penn Medicine offers specialized MRI machines for people who have a large body size or are claustrophobic (afraid of enclosed spaces). These open machines allow you to get the imaging services you need with enhanced comfort and less anxiety.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissues, nerves, and joints. Unlike MRI or CT, which require fixed scans, an ultrasound device can be moved around the affected area for better visibility. We may recommend ultrasound to diagnose arthritis, strains and sprains, or nerve compression.
Our interventional radiologists also use ultrasound to guide a range of procedures such as biopsies and therapeutic injections. For example, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections can ease pain and inflammation in joints and soft tissues.