Diagnostic imaging is an integral component for the differential diagnosis. In routine clinical practice there has been a tendency of clinical examinations to become more cursory, largely influenced by increasing demands of time, and patient expectations of technological advances. The end result may arguably lead to an over reliance upon technology for basic clinical diagnosis.
The purpose of this session is two-fold. It is meant to provide a review, and for some, an introduction to basic imaging studies used for the diagnosis of pain related problems. Special attention will also be given to the limitations of such studies and the importance of establishing clinical relevance to their findings. Factors that adversely affect clinical management potentially resulting in failed treatment will be discussed as well as best practices and clinical pearls when utilizing such studies to help enhance clinical outcomes for treatment.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the most common imaging studies used for the diagnosis of pain disorders
Describe the clinical utility and limitations of such studies for the differential diagnosis of pain pathologies
Explain strategies to enhance the clinical yield of imaging studies, to reflect clinical relevance
