Radiologic Analysis of Trauma

Abstract

Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the detection, management, and follow-up of skeletal and soft tissue injuries. The use of routine radiography to identify fractures constituted one of the earliest applications of this technique. Fractures represent incomplete or complete breaks in the continuity of bones, which may result from a single episode of excessive stress applied to normal bone, multiple episodes of excessive stress applied to normal bone, or normal or excessive stress applied to abnormal bone. Injuries may be due to direct trauma, load applied directly upon the osseous structures, or more commonly due to indirect forces applied through muscles or tendons.