Musculoskeletal Radiology
UC Davis Health musculoskeletal radiologists use advanced medical imaging to examine your body. They diagnose and treat muscle, bone and soft tissue conditions.
Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Morris, M.D. on Aug. 30, 2023.
Advanced Musculoskeletal Radiology Services
Our musculoskeletal radiologists use the latest imaging technology to diagnose and treat conditions that affect your musculoskeletal system. This system includes your:
- Bones, joints and spine
- Muscles
- Tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues
Musculoskeletal radiology is a subspecialty of the UC Davis Department of Radiology. Our team specializes in capturing and interpreting images of your muscles, bones and tissues. We also use these images to guide certain procedures.
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Musculoskeletal Radiology Services
Our musculoskeletal radiologists specialize in diagnosing common to complex musculoskeletal injuries and other conditions. We use advanced medical imaging techniques to quickly pinpoint the cause of your pain and develop an effective treatment plan.
X-ray
X-rays (also called radiographs) use safe amounts of radioactive beams to create film images of your bones and soft tissues. You may need an X-ray to check for bone fractures, joint disorders or spine conditions.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy produces moving X-ray images of bones and tissues. Some fluoroscopy procedures require the use of an injectable contrast dye. The dye makes the area of your body clearer in imaging. Your provider may use fluoroscopy to guide joint reconstruction procedures or treat broken bones.
Arthrogram
An arthrogram helps your provider diagnose the cause of hip pain, shoulder pain and other joint problems. Your provider injects a contrast dye directly into your joint. The absorbed dye makes the joint easier to see in medical images, such as X-rays or an MRI arthrogram.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of your muscles, soft tissues, nerves and joints. A musculoskeletal ultrasound helps diagnose muscle and soft tissue disorders, including sprains, strains and tears. The images also show joint swelling and arthritis.
Osteoradiology
Osteoradiology refers to X-rays or imaging that specifically looks for bone conditions and disorders. You may also get an osteoradiology test to check for bone cancer.
Image-Guided Joint Injections and Aspirations
Joint steroid injections help ease arthritis pain. Your provider views medical images from fluoroscopy, ultrasounds or CT scans while injecting medication into an inflamed joint. The provider may also use images to help remove fluid from a swollen joint (joint aspiration).
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Preparing for Musculoskeletal Radiology
Your preparation depends on the type of musculoskeletal radiology procedure. You should follow your provider’s instructions to ensure the best results.
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Before Musculoskeletal Radiology
Your pre-treatment steps will vary depending on the imaging procedure. If you’re receiving a contrast dye for fluoroscopy, you may not be able to eat, drink or take medications beforehand.
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During Musculoskeletal Radiology
For a standard X-ray, you may be seated, standing or lying down. Other musculoskeletal radiology procedures often require you to lie down on your back.
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After Musculoskeletal Radiology
Your radiologist will review the images either that day or within the week. Depending on the results, you may need a cast for a broken bone, injections for inflammation or other treatments.
Home Care
You may need to recover at home after a musculoskeletal radiology imaging procedure. Your recovery depends on what took place. It is important to follow your care team’s instructions.
Take It Easy
Contrast dye injections for fluoroscopy, as well as for joint injections and aspirations, can cause soreness. Don’t overdo it.
Let Your Body Heal
Injured bones, muscles and tissues need time to mend. Follow your provider’s instructions about the types of activities that are safe to do.
Ease Pain and Swelling
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and use warm or cold compresses, as directed by your provider.
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UC Davis Health has been recognized as a level 10 out of 10 in the Digital Health “Most Wired” program from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The honor recognizes excellence in using technology to improve the delivery of care.
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