[Results and indications of imaging techniques in musculoskeletal diseases]

Imaging is necessary in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases and X rays is the first step of this morphological exploration. Ultrasonography is cost effectiveness, without radiation and have to constitute the second step of the exploration of the smooth tissue (tendon, muscle, sheath, synovium and superficial ligaments). Computed tomography with its new technological progress is very effective in the study of the cortical bone. Magnetic resonance imaging, a non irradiating but costly technique, becomes inevitable in several osteo-articular affections. It often makes the examination of last intention to compensate for the inadequacy of ultrasonography and computed tomography.