Orthopaedic Radiology: Clinical Diagnosis and Application

A special issue of Tomography (ISSN 2379-139X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 875

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
Interests: MRI; CT; diagnostic imaging; orthopaedic radiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advancements in musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging continue to reshape the landscape of orthopedic diagnostics, yet significant gaps remain in the ability to quantitatively define and standardize many common conditions. While imaging modalities such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound are widely utilized, many orthopedic diagnoses—such as spinal stenosis—still rely heavily on clinical assessment rather than objective radiologic criteria. Establishing more precise imaging-based diagnostic thresholds is crucial for enhancing the reliability of radiologic assessments and improving interdisciplinary collaboration between radiologists and orthopedic surgeons.

This Special Issue, Orthopaedic Radiology: Clinical Diagnosis and Application, seeks to highlight innovations in MSK imaging that refine diagnostic accuracy and expand the role of imaging beyond morphologic evaluation. We invite original research, comprehensive reviews, and case-based studies that explore advancements in musculoskeletal imaging techniques. Particular emphasis will be placed on research that can aid in establishing objective radiologic criteria for diagnosing conditions traditionally relying on subjective clinical evaluation.

This issue aims to advance imaging as a definitive diagnostic tool by exploring these topics, paving the way for a more standardized diagnostic approach. We welcome contributions that help shape the future of MSK radiology and improve the precision of orthopedic imaging.  

Dr. Olumide A. Danisa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • X-ray
  • CT
  • MRI
  • ultrasound
  • orthopedic radiology
  • diagnosis

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

11 pages, 621 KB  
Article
Correlations of Lumbar Interspinous Distance with Neuroforaminal Dimensions, Disc Space Height, and Patient Demographic Factors
by Carson Cummings, Zachary Brandt, Kai Nguyen, Asael Isaac, Jean-Carlos Gutierrez, Ashley Kempf, David Cheng, Joel D. Carson, Emily Novak, Jacob Razzouk, Olumide Danisa and Wayne Cheng
Tomography 2025, 11(9), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography11090100 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 468
Abstract
Background/Objectives: A thorough understanding of spinal anatomy is essential for diagnostic assessment and surgical intervention. Interspinous distance (ISD), neuroforaminal dimensions (NFDs), and disc space height (DSH) have each been studied separately; however, their interrelationship remains unstudied. Given the use of interspinous implants as [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: A thorough understanding of spinal anatomy is essential for diagnostic assessment and surgical intervention. Interspinous distance (ISD), neuroforaminal dimensions (NFDs), and disc space height (DSH) have each been studied separately; however, their interrelationship remains unstudied. Given the use of interspinous implants as a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar stenosis and degenerative disc disease, defining these relationships is of growing clinical significance. This study investigates the correlation between ISD and both NFDs and DSH in a normative population and whether ISD varies with demographic factors. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 852 patients who underwent CT imaging of the lumbar spine. ISD was measured from L1 to L5 as the shortest distance between the most caudal tip of the superior spinous process and the inferior spinous process. DSH was measured at the anterior, middle, and posterior margins. NFDs were assessed in axial and sagittal views, including axial width, craniocaudal height, and foraminal area. Statistical analysis assessed correlations between ISD, NFDs, DSH, and demographic variables. Results: No strong correlation was observed between ISD and either NFDs or DSH. Slightly greater correlation was present at L1–L3, weakening at L4–L5, where interspinous implants are most commonly placed. Demographic analysis revealed no consistent relationship between ISD and ethnicity, sex, or BMI. While it may be expected that larger ISD correlates with greater NFDs or DSH, our findings do not support this assumption. Conclusions: ISD does not strongly correlate with NFDs or DSH, and demographic factors do not significantly influence ISD in a healthy population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthopaedic Radiology: Clinical Diagnosis and Application)
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