Current problems in diagnostic radiology
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Noninvasive evaluation of low back and leg pain has progressed rapidly over the past decade. The development of computed tomography, single-photon emission-computed tomographic bone scan, and magnetic resonance imaging has markedly increased diagnostic accuracy in detecting pathologic conditions. With this increased accuracy has come recognition of a 50% prevalence of underlying abnormalities in patients between 20 and 60 years old who have no symptoms. ⋯ The patient's presenting symptoms are also used to determine the most cost-effective and efficacious use of initial diagnostic imaging evaluation. In a minority of patients the findings on noninvasive imaging either will not correlate with the patient's symptoms or will demonstrate multiple abnormalities that could account for the patient's symptoms. In these patients, invasive techniques are extremely helpful in defining a pain generator or pain generators.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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The authors have reviewed the field of magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder. This review includes abnormalities of the rotator cuff mechanism and glenoid labrum, and other disorders.
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Intentional abuse of an infant is usually apparent. External injuries such as burns, bites, and bruises, as well as the skeletal changes of fractures, frequently multiple and in various stages of healing, are obviously intentionally inflicted, and are impossible accidental injuries for the nonambulatory young infant. Similar injuries in young children may be more difficult to evaluate because of their fear of and intimidation by the person who inflicted the injury. ⋯ Some of these injuries may produce radiographic findings suggesting some form of metaphyseal or diaphyseal dysplasia. Iatrogenic injuries are frequently the result of physiologic or anatomical response to proper and lifesaving treatment. The most serious of these are found in the premature infant, who may suffer chronic lung disease or, more seriously, brain damage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)