Orthopedic Imaging Course

Lesson 1 • Physics of Diagnostic Imaging Modalities

Covers X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound physics relevant to bone and soft tissue. Establishes the technical basis for all subsequent image interpretation.

Lesson 2 • Musculoskeletal Anatomy Review

Systematic review of bones, joints, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments as seen on imaging. Accurate anatomy recognition underpins all pathology identification.

Lesson 3 • Image Orientation and Systematic Review

Establishes a reproducible method for orienting and systematically reviewing any orthopaedic image. Prevents missed findings through structured search patterns.

Lesson 1 • Fracture Classification and Description

Covers major fracture classification systems and descriptive terminology for location, pattern, and displacement. Accurate description guides surgical planning.

Lesson 2 • Normal Bone Radiographic Appearance

Defines normal cortical thickness, trabecular pattern, and medullary density across skeletal regions. Provides the baseline for detecting deviation from normal.

Lesson 3 • Bone Density and Metabolic Disorders

Identifies radiographic signs of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and Paget disease. Links density changes to metabolic aetiology for differential diagnosis.

Lesson 1 • Advanced Joint Imaging with MRI and CT

Applies MRI and CT to evaluate cartilage, synovium, and subchondral bone beyond radiographic capability. Connects cross-sectional findings to surgical decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Osteoarthritis Imaging Features

Identifies joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and cysts as hallmarks of osteoarthritis. Grades severity using validated radiographic scales.

Lesson 3 • Inflammatory Arthropathy Patterns

Distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout by their characteristic imaging distributions and erosion patterns. Enables early diagnosis before clinical confirmation.

Lesson 1 • MRI Sequences for Soft Tissue

Explains the role of PD, T1, T2, STIR, and fat-suppressed sequences in soft tissue contrast. Sequence selection directly determines diagnostic accuracy.

Lesson 2 • Ligament Injury Imaging

Identifies sprain grades and complete ligament disruptions at the knee, ankle, and wrist on MRI. Accurate grading prevents under-treatment of unstable injuries.

Lesson 3 • Tendon Pathology Diagnosis

Covers tendinosis, partial tears, and complete ruptures across major tendons using MRI and ultrasound. Grading tear severity guides rehabilitation and surgical referral.

Lesson 1 • Spinal Trauma Imaging

Applies CT and MRI to classify vertebral fractures and detect posterior ligamentous complex injury. Injury stability classification directly determines conservative versus operative management.

Lesson 2 • Degenerative Disc and Facet Disease

Classifies disc herniations, annular tears, and facet arthrosis using standardised nomenclature. Standardised reporting reduces variability in surgical planning communication.

Lesson 3 • Spinal Tumours and Infection

Differentiates primary bone tumours, metastases, and discitis-osteomyelitis using MRI signal and enhancement patterns. Early recognition prevents neurological deterioration.

Lesson 1 • Systematic Approach to Bone Tumours

Applies the Lodwick and WHO frameworks to characterise bone tumours by age, location, and radiographic features. A structured approach reduces diagnostic error in complex cases.

Lesson 2 • Common Benign Bone Tumours

Identifies osteochondroma, enchondroma, giant cell tumour, and fibrous dysplasia by their characteristic imaging features. Accurate benign diagnosis prevents unnecessary biopsy.

Lesson 3 • Soft Tissue Tumour Characterisation

Uses MRI signal, size, depth, and enhancement to differentiate benign from malignant soft tissue masses. Identifies imaging features that mandate urgent biopsy referral.

Lesson 4 • Malignant Bone Tumour Imaging

Characterises osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma using radiograph, CT, and MRI findings. Accurate staging informs limb-salvage surgical planning.

Lesson 1 • Post-Operative Infection Imaging

Applies radiograph, MRI, nuclear medicine, and CT to diagnose periprosthetic and surgical site infections. Differentiates infection from aseptic loosening to guide treatment.

Lesson 2 • Arthroplasty Complication Imaging

Detects loosening, periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, and adverse local tissue reactions on radiograph and MRI. Early complication detection reduces revision surgery morbidity.

Lesson 3 • Imaging Hardware and Implants

Identifies common fixation devices, arthroplasty components, and spinal instrumentation on radiographs and CT. Correct hardware identification is prerequisite to complication assessment.

Lesson 1 • Communicating Critical Findings

Establishes protocols for urgent communication of critical imaging findings to clinical teams. Timely escalation prevents patient harm from delayed diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Multidisciplinary Team Integration

Prepares physicians to present imaging findings effectively in tumour boards, trauma conferences, and joint clinics. Effective presentation skills improve collaborative decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Quality Assurance in Imaging Diagnosis

Implements peer review, discrepancy tracking, and audit cycles to maintain diagnostic accuracy. Continuous quality improvement is a professional obligation in imaging practice.