Application of Imaging Modalities to Musculoskeletal Soft Tissues Modalities –Magnetic resonance. –Ultrasound. –Computed tomography (CT). –Positron emission tomography CT. Tissues –Spine and intervertebral discs. –Joints, ligaments, menisci, synovium, and tendons. –Muscles and entheses (where tendons and ligaments join bone). Applications –Identification of at-risk populations. –Early detection of disease. –Conclusive diagnosis of disease or injury. –Evaluation of tissue repair or regeneration.

Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Imaging Research Gaps Standardization of methods –Among protocols and between technicians using same protocols. –Interpretation of results. Correlation between signs and symptoms –Intervertebral disc images and back pain. –Hip and knee images and osteoarthritis pain. –Muscle images and physical functioning (e.g., strength, fatigue). Collection of images during movement –Back pain. –Muscular dystrophy. Visualization of tissues, cells, and cell processes –Ligaments, menisci, entheses. –Stem cells. –Inflammation.

The Future of Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Imaging Examine multiple tissues that compose joints –Muscle atrophy and symptomatic back pain—not just intervertebral disc. –Soft tissue pathology and osteoarthritis symptoms—not just cartilage. Measure functional indices to quantify disease severity –Intervertebral disc degeneration. –Muscular dystrophy. Understand cell processes –Stem cell propagation, migration, and differentiation. –Tissue regeneration. Evaluate therapies –Conventional pharmacologic, surgical, and physical therapies. –Engineered tissue constructs. –Stem cells or other regenerative strategies.