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Evaluation of focal bone lesions: basic principles and clinical scenarios

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4LP, UK

• The plain film is essential to reveal biological behaviour of the entire lesion.
  
• The plain film often suggests the tissue of origin.
  
• Lesion location (in both the longitudinal and transverse planes of the bone) and patient age narrow the differential diagnosis.
  
• Certain tumours and tumour-like conditions occur in characteristic locations, for example simple bone cysts and chordomas.
  
• If a diagnosis cannot be made from radiographs, CT may yield further diagnostic information.
  
• Staging MRI should be performed before any biopsy.
  
• Referral to a bone tumour unit may be required for diagnostic assistance from imaging, or for biopsy. The latter is more appropriately performed in a specialist centre.
  

Evaluation of focal bone lesions part II: clinical scenarios

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4LP, UK

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				Answers to multiple-choice questionnaire: Musculoskeletal imaging [from Imaging 15(4)] Imaging, December 1, 2004; 16(2): 191 - 192. [Full Text] [PDF]