Musculoskeletal Imaging

At NYU Langone, our musculoskeletal imaging specialists offer a full array of imaging and radiology exams to diagnose or assess conditions of the bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Our experts in imaging and radiology services work closely with a team of specialists in orthopedic surgery, musculoskeletal oncology, rheumatology, and rehabilitation to ensure an accurate diagnosis and personalized care plan.

Diagnostic Imaging Services We Offer

Some of the diagnostic imaging services we offer to assess musculoskeletal conditions include the following:

• high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans to provide detailed images of the soft tissues like the muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• low-dose computed tomography or CT scans, which provide precise images of the bones and joints
• ultrasound imaging, which produces real-time images of soft tissues
• conventional X-rays to quickly evaluate bones and joints
• MRI or CT arthrography, which combines an MRI or CT scan with the injection of a contrast dye into a joint to provide detailed images of its bones, cartilage, and other structures

While our radiology technicians prepare you for these scans and capture needed images, our highly-trained radiologists read and interpret the results to make a diagnosis.

Musculoskeletal Conditions We Image

Many conditions can affect the musculoskeletal system, causing pain or problems with daily functioning. Some of the many musculoskeletal conditions we perform imaging studies to diagnose and assess include:

• achilles tendon injury
• anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• bone sarcoma
• bursitis and tendinitis
• degenerative disc disease
• fractures of the patella, shoulder and elbow, and hip and pelvis
• herniated disc
• labral tears of the hip and shoulder
• meniscus tears
• nonhealing fractures
• neck and back pain
• osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, and spine
• rheumatoid arthritis
• spinal stenosis
• spine compression fractures
• sprains and strains of the knee, foot and ankle, shoulder, elbow, and hand
• shoulder dislocation
• stress fractures
• torn rotator cuff

Image-Guided, Interventional Services

Our radiologists also provide interventional services to diagnose or treat musculoskeletal conditions.

We perform image-guided biopsies of the bone and soft tissues using ultrasound, CT, or MRI, to help us accurately locate and sample tissue from a suspicious area. The image guidance allows our radiologists to target specific abnormalities in bones, muscles, or soft tissues while avoiding surrounding healthy structures.

Our experts also provide image-guided therapeutic injections for a variety of inflammatory joint conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis and spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.