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Imaging tests help physicians to confirm or rule out diagnoses suggested by findings in the medical history or physical examination. Diagnostic tests may include (but are not limited to)2:
- Radiographs
- Bone scans
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging
(i) Radiographs
Radiographs provide detail of bone structure2.
(ii) Bone scans
Bone scans are used to rule out occult fractures (small fractures not visible on routine radiograph); and to help determine whether a compression fracture of the vertebral body is old or new2.
(iii) Computed tomography (CT) and (iv) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
CT and/or MRI can better characterise lesions and may be utilised to exclude tumour, infection, nerve impairment or fracture with adjoining inflammation2.
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