Radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging to diagnose and treat diseases seen within the body. Radiologists use a variety of imaging techniques such as X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine including positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose and/or treat diseases. Interventional radiology is the performance of (usually minimally invasive) medical procedures with the guidance of imaging technologies.
The acquisition of medical imaging is usually carried out by the radiographer, often known as a radiologic technologist. Depending on location, the diagnostic radiologist, or reporting radiographer, then interprets or “reads” the images and produces a report of their findings and impression or diagnosis. This report is then transmitted to the physician who ordered the imaging, either routinely or emergently. Imaging exams are stored digitally in the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) where they can be viewed by all members of the healthcare team within the same health system and compared later on with future imaging exams
The new face of the Department of Radiology and Imaging is not that of a single person but rather a group of highly trained professionals with international expertise in the imaging of musculoskeletal conditions. From the acquisition of the image to its interpretation, images are individually tailored to address the specific clinical concerns of the referring clinicians. This creates a “customized image” that provides superior diagnostic capabilities, often obviating the need for more invasive surgical procedures such as diagnostic arthroscopy.
Our interventional radiologists are skilled in treating many conditions non-surgically with image guided injections, utilizing ultrasound and fluoroscopy. The faculty of radiologists has both national and international expertise, many of whom train other radiologists in the interpretation of these conditions and the performance of these procedures. Many of the specialized techniques developed at HSS, such as dedicated MR imaging protocols for cartilage evaluation, are not available for years at other facilities. Imaging plays an integral part of HSS’s integrated delivery system of musculoskeletal care.