Musculoskeletal Radiology

The U-M Medical School Department of Radiology Division of Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiology provides a complete spectrum of conventional and state-of-the-art imaging and imaging guidance interventional procedures for the musculoskeletal system. In addition to digital radiography of bones and joints, the division performs fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonography of the musculoskeletal system.

For the most comprehensive evaluation of joints – often called for in high-caliber athletes – conventional arthrography, CT arthrography, and particularly MR arthrography are routinely performed by the division’s subspecialized radiologists.

Musculoskeletal radiologists perform numerous imaging guided biopsies of bones and soft tissues. Our clinicians find that precise localization enables accurate and safe procedures while minimizing patient discomfort. Where appropriate, both minimally invasive fine needle aspiration and core biopsy techniques are utilized successfully. U-M Health also is one of the few centers that routinely performs percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas as an alternative to more invasive surgery. In addition, joint, cyst and tendon sheath aspirations, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic joint injections, are performed using fluoroscopic, sonographic or CT guidance.

The division is especially fortunate to have radiologists highly accomplished in musculoskeletal sonography, performing diagnostic and interventional sonographic procedures of all joints. Soft tissue masses, cysts, and abscesses can also be detected and, when necessary, biopsied or aspirated using sonographic guidance. In addition, ultrasound-guided treatment of tendon disorders is offered, including calcific tendinosis lavage and aspiration, tendon fenestration (or tenotomy), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection.

The Department of Radiology of the University of Michigan Medical School offers a one-year fellowship in Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiology. Four funded positions are offered each year. Non-funded fellowship positions can also be offered for research or military applicants.

Fellows receive well-balanced, excellent subspecialty training in all areas of MSK Radiology from a very large and experienced MSK Radiology Division. Fellows emerge from the fellowship well-prepared for careers in private practice or academic subspecialty MSK Radiology.