Multiple imaging modalities in the evaluation of musculoskeletal masses

Ninety patients with musculoskeletal soft-tissue tumors and tumorlike masses examined with conventional radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and other imaging modalities were reviewed. Computed tomography plays a key role in the preoperative assessment of primary malignant skeletal tumors, particularly in the detection of intramedullary and extraosseous tumor component. Ultrasonography is particularly helpful in defining benign soft-tissue masses and primary malignant soft-tissue tumors. Radionuclide bone scan is of value in evaluating the extent of osseous involvement or in detecting unsuspected skeletal metastases or skip lesions in patients with an apparent solitary skeletal tumor.