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| = Diagnostic Imaging for Physical Therapists =
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| Imaging is a useful resource for musculoskeletal conditions and is an invaluable tool for physical therapists when used appropriately. Imaging such as MRI, X-ray, CT scans, and bone scans are prime examples of valuable diagnostic mapping that assists with diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and assessment of conditions and dysfunctions that physical therapists' address on a daily basis. In many cases, studies indicate diagnostic imaging is under utilized such as x-rays identifying fractures or bone scans identifying osteoperosis.<ref name="van Tulder et al">van Tulder MW, Tuut M, Pennick V, Bombardier C, Assendelft WJ. Quality of primary care guidelines for acute low back pain. Spine 2004;29:357-62.</ref> There are also studies indicating over utilization of imaging, such as x-rays for actue and uncomplicated low back pain.<ref name="Freeborn et al">Freeborn DK, Shye D, Mullooly JP, Eraker S, Remeo J. Primary care physicians' use of lumbar spine tests:effects of guidelines and practice pattern feedback. J Gen Intern Med 1997; 12: 619-25</ref><ref name="Carey and Garrett">Carey TS, Garrett J. Patterns of ordering diagnostic tests for patients with acute low back pain. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:807-14.</ref><ref name="Isaacs et al">Isaacs DM, Marinac J, Sun C. Radiograph use in low back pain: a United States emergency department database analysis. J Emerg Med 2004;26:37-45.</ref>
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| == Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) ==
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| An MRI is a map of hydrogen atoms within the body. Hydrogen atoms are ideal for MRI because they possess a single proton and a large magnetic moment.<ref name="McMahon et al">McMahon K, Cowin G, Galloway G. Magnetic resonance imaging: The underlying principles. J Orthop Sport Phys 2011;41:806-819.</ref> Since approximately 75% of our bodies are made of H<sub>2</sub>0, MR imaging is able to capture very detailed images of the viewed body region. The magnetic field created by the magnet causes resonance from each proton in the hydrogen atom and is able to obtain its position. Thus, the MRI takes a detailed "picture" of all hydrogen molecules in the body and is computed into an accurate respresentation of the body region. There are multiple types of MRI based on an image captured at different decay's of signal. A T1 weighted MRI captures early signal decay. A T2 weighted MRI captures the late stage of signal decay.<ref name="McMahon et al">McMahon K, Cowin G, Galloway G. Magnetic resonance imaging: The underlying principles. J Orthop Sport Phys 2011;41:806-819.</ref>
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| ==== T1 Weighted MRI ====
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| *Demonstrates good anatomic structures<br>
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| *H<sub>2</sub>0, cortical bone, CSF, and ligaments appears darker
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| *Fat and meniscal tears appears bright
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| ==== T2 Weighted MRI ====
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| *Demonstrates contrast between normal and abnormal
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| *H<sub>2</sub>0, CSF appears bright
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| ==== Contra-Indications for MRI ====
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| *Pacemaker
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| *Aneurysm clip
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| *Cochlear implant
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| *Orbital foreign body <br>
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| == X-Ray ==
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| (Text)
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| == Computerized Axial Tomography (CT Scan) ==
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| (Text)
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| == Bone Scan ==
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| (Text)''<br>''
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| == References ==
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| <references />
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