 A precise diagnosis can be made in far the majority of cases from the case history and a clinical examination. In many cases it will, however, be advantageous to supplement with: X-ray, which is primarily used for suspicions of fractures, stress fractures and bone membrane tears (avulsion). The examination entails exposure to x-ray irradiation and should be restricted as much as possible in children and adolescents. CT-scanning, which is used with certain fractures as a supplement to ordinary x-ray examination. The examination entails marked exposure to x-ray irradiation and should be restricted as much as possible in children and adolescents. MRI-scanning, which is primarily indicated in cases where further examination of the conditions inside the joints is desired - since ultrasound scanning is easier, considerably cheaper and presumed just as effective in evaluating conditions outside of the joints. The examination entails exposure to magnetic irradiation, which is, as far as anyone knows, harmless. Diagnostic blockade with local anaesthetic has only modest risks associated with it if performed with the correct injection technique (possibly under guidance of ultrasound), and can contribute with considerable diagnostic information.
Arthroscopy, which is used for diagnostic examination of
the conditions in the joint if it is not possible to determine "from
outside" what is wrong in the joint despite use of all other modern
technology. This method is associated with a number of risks in relation
to the other examination methods.
Examples where ultrasound scanning has enabled precise diagnosis and
treatment:
Case history 3: Muscular attachment with bone tear ,
(Ultrasonic image) |