Imaging interpretation of oncologic musculoskeletal conditions

There is considerable overlap in the clinical and imaging presentation of general orthopaedic conditions and musculoskeletal neoplasms. At centers that treat orthopaedic oncologic conditions, it is not uncommon to see patients with spine and extremity tumors previously treated for presumed general orthopaedic ailments. It is important for orthopaedic surgeons to understand how to interpret commonly ordered radiographic studies (radiographs, MRIs, and CT scans) as they relate to bone and soft-tissue tumors, to be familiar with the imaging appearance of common musculoskeletal lesions in the extremities and spine, and to understand what imaging findings should trigger a referral to an orthopaedic oncologist.