Musculoskeletal (MSK) Diagnostic Tests
Advanced imaging for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries
Diagnosis & Treatment for Musculoskeletal Disease & Injuries
At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), our Division of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Imaging and Interventions team of specialized radiologists uses advanced imaging tests to diagnose and treat conditions and injuries of the bones, muscles and soft tissues.
We use different musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnostic tests depending on your situation, including the following:
- Arthrography
- Bone density scan
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Nuclear bone scan
- Radiography
- Ultrasound
- X-ray and fluoroscopy
After making a diagnosis, our expert radiologists use your imaging studies to plan or guide your treatment. We provide innovative, personalized care for orthopedic, neurologic, spinal and sports injuries. We also treat other conditions, such as tumors.
You get access to the most up-to-date treatments. Our radiologists strive to be at the forefront of care. They lead pioneering research studies and train the next generation of doctors.
When you need treatment, we offer interventions combined with imaging to provide precision placement of therapeutic injections.
Conditions We Treat
We use MSK imaging, at times combined with other lab tests, to diagnose and treat many conditions of the musculoskeletal system:
- Arthritis
- Back and neck pain
- Biceps tendon injuries
- Bone and soft tissue infections
- Carpal tunnel
- Chronic hip pain from gluteus minimus or medius tendon injuries or tear
- Complications from orthopedic hardware (such as from a joint replacement)
- Elbow, finger, hand, tendon, and ligament injuries
- Foot and ankle (podiatric) conditions and injuries (like Achilles tendon tear, plantar fasciitis)
- Hip joint injury (trochanteric bursitis)
- Joint pain
- Knee injuries
- Metabolic bone disorders (like osteoporosis)
- Orthopedic trauma
- Quadriceps injuries
- Rotator cuff and shoulder joint injuries
- Snapping hip (iliopsoas tendon dysfunction)
- Sports-related injuries
- Tumors in bone or soft tissue (benign and malignant)
More About Musculoskeletal (MSK) Diagnostic Tests
We are experts in radiography — the interpretation of musculoskeletal images. Our radiologists provide a wide range of treatments using image guided therapy.
We use low-dose X-ray screening to guide joint injections for degenerative and inflammatory conditions. These treatments help target joint pain without medication that affects the entire body.
We use dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure the mineral content of your bones. A DEXA scan assesses your bone health and your risk for fracture. During the test, you lie on your back. Two types of X-rays are used, usually targeting your hip and spine. One is absorbed by your tissue and the other is absorbed by your bones. The difference in absorption indicates your bone mineral density.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not use radiation. Instead, an MRI combines a magnet, radio waves and a computer to create highly detailed images of the tissues inside your body.
Arthrography is a type of X-ray image. An arthrogram test combines X-rays and a contrast material or dye. The dye highlights the space within a joint. Arthrography images let your doctor see the joint space and surrounding soft tissues that can be difficult to see on regular X-rays.
CT scans combine X-rays with advanced computer technology to make cross-sectional images of the body. This lets your doctor see detailed images of bones and soft tissues. CT bone scans are fast and painless, taking less than 30 minutes to complete.
MSK ultrasound tests are fast, painless and safe. These tests use sound waves to create images of tissues inside the body. Ultrasound is versatile and easy to access for any patient, providing an option for patients who cannot have an MRI. MSK ultrasound lets your doctor create dynamic images while you are making the movements that cause pain.
A bone scan creates detailed images of your bones using a safe amount of radioactive dye. A special camera tracks the dye as it travels through your body. A computer creates images. A nuclear bone scan highlights abnormal cells, infections and tumors. Your bone scan is combined with regular X-rays to get the most information.
Joint Injection & Aspiration
At BIDMC, we use joint injections and aspirations to treat and diagnose various joint-related conditions. We use imaging technology such as CT scans, fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the needle to the right spot. We can deliver medicines to reduce inflammation and pain. Our radiologists also use image guidance for aspiration. This MSK procedure removes fluid from a joint for laboratory testing to help make a diagnosis.
Bone & Soft Tissue Biopsy
Image-guided musculoskeletal biopsies are an accurate way to obtain tissue samples needed to make a diagnosis. Our radiologists use CT scans and ultrasound to safely guide needles to precise points on affected bone or tissue.
Additional Services 
Your orthopedic care team partners with many other specialists to give you the most advanced care.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Orthopaedics
The Carl J. Shapiro Department of Orthopaedics provides advanced orthopedic care, medical education and innovative research.
Research
Our researchers work to push the bounds of the study and understanding of orthopedic care, to provide the best care for our patients.
Education
Our team is committed to training the next generation of orthopedic specialists through fellowship, residency and internship programs.
