Musculoskeletal intervention

Abstract

The musculoskeletal system comprises bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and their supporting neurovascular bundles. Disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system can be degenerative, infective, inflammatory, neoplastic or traumatic. A key component in evaluation of the musculoskeletal system is a detailed history and thorough examination, with subsequent radiological interventions for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment. MRI can provide exquisite details of the intra-articular and peri-articular structures. Certain joints e.g. the knee, usually have sufficient intrinsic contrast, making MRI assessment adequate. However sometimes for other joints, such as shoulder or hip, the administration of an intra-articular contrast agent to perform an MR arthrogram, can help in delineating the small structures of interest.