Can radiological examinations help in the diagnosis of joint diseases?
November 16, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Nina Bergmann
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Selma Schmitt and I have been suffering from severe joint pain, especially in my knees and hips, for some time now. These pains are increasingly making it difficult for me to carry out everyday tasks and significantly affecting my quality of life. I have already tried various treatments, but so far the cause of my symptoms has not been definitively identified.
My primary care physician has advised me to undergo a radiological examination to rule out or confirm possible joint diseases. I am now wondering if radiological examinations can actually help in diagnosing joint diseases and if they are suitable for determining the cause of my symptoms. I am worried that the pain could be caused by a serious illness and that left untreated, it could lead to permanent damage.
Can radiological examinations help me finally understand my symptoms and find appropriate treatment? What type of radiological examinations would be most helpful in my case and how can I prepare for them? Are there alternative diagnostic methods that should also be considered? I would be very grateful for your expert assessment and recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Selma Schmitt
Dear Selma Schmitt,
Thank you for your message and trust in my expertise as a radiologist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe joint pain and that a definitive diagnosis has not been made yet. I would like to provide you with some information on radiological examinations for joint diseases and assist you in clarifying your symptoms.
Radiological examinations play a crucial role in the diagnosis of joint diseases. They can help visualize changes in the joint such as inflammation, cartilage or bone damage, wear and tear, or fluid accumulation. The most common radiological procedures include X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Each of these examinations has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on which structures in the joint need to be examined in more detail.
In your case, where you are experiencing pain in your knees and hips, I would recommend starting with an X-ray. This examination can help detect changes in the bones and cartilage, such as osteoarthritis or bone fractures. If necessary, an MRI or CT scan can be performed afterwards to obtain a more detailed visualization of the soft tissues and internal structures of the joints.
It is important to prepare for a radiological examination by removing jewelry and metal objects, wearing comfortable clothing, and bringing any relevant medical information. If you are pregnant or have metal-based implants, it is important to inform the healthcare provider in advance to adjust the examination accordingly.
In addition to radiology, blood tests or special joint aspirations can also be performed to diagnose joint diseases. These procedures can provide additional information and, when combined with radiological examinations, enable a comprehensive diagnosis.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I strongly recommend undergoing a radiological examination to determine the cause of your joint pain and find appropriate treatment. Please do not hesitate to ask any further questions or schedule an appointment for an examination.
Best regards,
Nina Bergmann, Radiologist
