Plain radiography/fluoroscopy

Plain radiography demonstrates osseous anatomy and provides some detail of the soft tissue anatomy. Fluoroscopy allows real-time dynamic radiographic assessment of the osseous anatomy and assessment of the joints using fluoroscopic arthrography.

Cross-sectional imaging

CT

Multi-slice CT provides more information about the osseous anatomy than plain radiography, showing the trabecular anatomy of the bone in much higher detail. High-resolution 3D reconstructions of the upper limb allow interrogation in any desired plane. Soft tissues including muscles, tendons and joints can also be identified but these are best assessed with ultrasound and MR imaging.

Sonography

Sonography allows high spatial resolution and dynamic imaging of the soft tissues not obscured by osseous structures. It is particularly optimal for visualization of small and superficial structures (ligaments, tendons) as well as muscle compartments.

MRI

MR imaging offers high contrast resolution imaging of the musculoskeletal anatomy. Intra-articular structures are best assessed using MR arthrography.